“Worlds Collide” is a roving art exhibition that has been making its rounds throughout the Caribbean.
Previous installations include five successful exhibitions in Jamaica and one in Barbados, which organisers said was a “landmark showcase.”
The Trinidad edition was showcased on Sunday evening at the Elevated Creative Hub in the Shoppes of Maraval, featuring works from local artists alongside creatives from across the wider Caribbean, including founder Stefan Amali.
The Jamaican artist explained that the vision behind the “Worlds Collide” movement is to use art as a unifying force throughout the region, encouraging creatives to move beyond the divisions sometimes seen across the Caribbean.
He also expressed pride in representing Jamaica in Trinidad and Tobago while creating a platform for local artists to showcase and express their work.
“Trinidad is a goldmine for talent of every type, every creative type, Trinidad and Tobago is just a wonderful goldmine for talent. I think that, if me, as an outsider, can say that everybody should. I feel as though the artists that are on display tonight are all so, so unique in their own way.”
Mr. Amali said the movement is the result of four years of work and brings together multiple art forms beyond the visual pieces on display, including music and dance.
He added that artists should not only possess the technical skill to create art but also be able to communicate what their work represents and reflect the social issues and realities of their time.
“There are lots of statements that we want to make with the art. None to be offensive, but just to take a stand and to say, ‘hey, we as creatives, we are not just in our own bubble. We see what’s going on in the world and we want to capture that in our own different ways.'”
Works by local artists Marie-Ange Pollonais, Luke Pounder, Erin Krogh and Dr. Prishni Rampersadsingh were featured at the exhibition, alongside pieces by Mr. Amali himself, who was the sole Jamaican artist on display.
While he did not reveal the next destination for the exhibition, Mr. Amali said plans are already underway for the movement’s next instalment.