Bill Trotman, better known to many as Lord Flying Fish, has earned a lasting place in Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural history, having made his mark as a composer, calypsonian, poet, and visual artist.
In tribute, the Art Society of Trinidad and Tobago opened an exhibition on Tuesday titled ‘I See My Culture’, featuring an array of art pieces Mr. Trotman completed in his 91 years of life.
In a heartfelt appreciation on opening night of the art exhibition, Mr. Trotman acknowledged the support of his loved ones and art supporters. He noted that his work over the years was inspired by his adoration for the local culture of Trinidad and Tobago.
“You see, I am a cultural addicted. I am addicted to we culture and we culture is bacchanal and scandal and pan and kaiso, dance, and mauvais lang, you know, macociousness and knowing everybody business. That is we culture. The art, all the arts that I have participated in, which is dance, kaiso, act, drama, the works. I am culturally addicted to all of Trinidad and Tobago.”
Mr. Trotman said even though this might be his last “big” art exhibition, he will continue to create new pieces.
“It’s not my last exhibition, but it’s my last big exhibition because I’m not going to paint this much more any more, but I have a whole lot of work that I’ve never exhibited, and it’s all in black and white, so that is likely to be my next exhibition.”
The Bill Trotman art exhibition continues until July 12th at the Art Society of Trinidad and Tobago.