SOCIETY cannot function without art.
This is the belief of local artist and businessman Martin Superville who has been spreading the joy of art for decades. Superville latest art exhibition is a celebration of local culture and history. The exhibition will be held from October 14-19, The Art Society, Federation Park, Port of Spain
The exhibition will showcase about 50 pieces that will portray dance, steelpan, the traditional Tobago wedding, the grandeur of Pigeon Point, Indian dance, flamenco dance, Tobago jig, portraiture and landscape art (including the traditional cane field).
[caption id="attachment_1114433" align="alignnone" width="1024"] A painting of a burning canefield will be on display at The Art Society, Port of Spain, from October 14-19. -[/caption]
On opening night the exhibit will run from 6-9pm, and from 10am to 5pm for the remaining period.
Living in Tobago but originally from Santa Cruz, Superville has had an impressive career with his work displayed around the Queen’s Park Savannah, the Piarco International Airport, First Citizens Bank, the corporate boxes at the Queen’s Park Oval, Wall Street Club, billboards across the country, and many other locations.
Superville's love for art began at the age of four when as his creativity “took hold” of him.
[caption id="attachment_1114430" align="alignnone" width="998"] A painting showcasing an East Indian dancer which will be on display at the Martin Superville art exhibition. -[/caption]
It all started when his mother returned from England with paint and colourless pictures that were numbered and were to be painted according to the respective numbers – an art education concept that is now normalised at pre-school and primary-school level.
He initially followed the number scheme provided, but as he developed his creative mind, he eventually deviated from the default system and coloured in his own way. At this point, he knew that art was his calling.
Despite his brilliance in art, Superville said he struggled academically and was not able to finish his school years. But his determination and love for art pushed him to continue pursuing his passion.
Teaching himself through borrowed library books, he began to excel in landscape and portrait paintings, as well as drawing and woodwork.
[caption id="attachment_1114432" align="alignnone" width="1024"] A painting of a steelband which will be on display at an art exhibition hosted by Martin Superville. -[/caption]
Now, Superville, 57, is one of the most successful artists in TT.
In an interview with Newsday, he described being an artist as a selfless career. He said, “The reason why I’ve become successful is because of that phrase: do unto others as you’d have them do unto you.
“For you to create, you must have a sense of peace within yourself. You cannot be a creator in war. It’s very difficult for creatives to excel in an environment that is noisy.”
Superville is determined to ensure that people learn the value of art, artists and the work put into the craft.
“There’s nothing
