“Two heads are better than one,” according to artist Guy Beckles.
That augurs well for a collaboration with prominent artists and designers, such as Carlisle Harris and Peter Minshall, on his ongoing art exhibition at the Central Bank in Port of Spain.
The Synchronic Symphony, which opened on November 3 and runs until November 30, features original work by Beckles and collaborations with 23 other leading artists, all using his unique motorised rolling canvas.
Beckles’ kinetic art, which he has practised for over 40 years, involves the use of rolls as canvas, typically lined up vertically in order of size, with each piece rotating in the opposite direction from the next piece, often depicting two or more parts, or perhaps even an infinite number, of perspectives.
The variety of partnering artists is reflected in a contrast of hues. Some pieces burst with vibrant acrylic colours, compared to other more toned-down pieces in greyscale. Some aren't painted, but put together using a range of materials like gems and beads.
There is a designated room somewhere for each piece, said Beckles, including Minshall’s, whose piece is on display, but not for sale.
[caption id="attachment_1045412" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Some of the pieces on display Symphonic Synchrony capture the interest of guests at the opening of the exhibition. - Photo by Grevic Alvarado[/caption]
Speaking to guests at the recent opening, Beckles said his fervent wish was that "corporate and private citizens will seek to purchase the unusual pieces on display to adorn your lobbies, homes and office spaces.”
He also appealed to the Ministry of Education to allow students to visit and learn more about his journey as an artist.
The exhibition, Beckles told Newsday, is a scaled-down version of a lifelong dream, and one he hopes isn’t slipping away from becoming a reality.
“My vision is to establish a kinetic art gallery and museum,” he said.
But at 70, Beckles worries he doesn’t have “all the time in the world” to make it happen.
“It will be the first of its kind, not just in Trinidad but the Caribbean, where people can come (and enjoy a unique art experience).
“As I am the only practising kinetic artist that I know of in the English-speaking Caribbean, I shudder to think that when I die, my work, and this artform, will die with me, left behind, out of sight, in a storeroom somewhere, collecting dust, with no one to enjoy them, let alone even know they exist,” he said at the launch.
“I would like to leave something for posterity, something that others can enjoy and experience for years to come. (My wish) is to establish a kinetic museum or gallery, a first of its kind in the Caribbean.”
Beckles noted, however, that acquiring suitable space to create a kinetic gallery is easier said than done.
“So if anyone,” he appealed, “any company, any organisation, would like to affiliate themselves with my unique brand and assist with the setting up of a kinetic museum, let's talk.”
“(I am) pleading with – no, imploring – the powers
