HISTORY

Trinidad and Tobago, being such a culturally diverse nation; a cosmopolitan nation, has a mix of different kinds of artistic expressions.

In colonial times, slaves were not allowed to be educated, but ‘privileged west indian sons’ were allowed to go abroad (Europe) to study, and the country was governed by Europeans. It was this control that allowed the ‘first formal emergence’ of a local artist, Michel Jean Cazabon (1813-1888).

Michel Jean Cazabon
Tucker Estate, Macqueripe Valley
Photograph courtesy of Sotheby's

Cazabon, who was born in Trinidad, studied Paris under Paul Delaroche and returned to Trinidad around 1850, where he followed closely to his French education; he painted using watercolours and oils until his death in 1888.

Throughout the history of Trinidad, there has not been many recorded artworks from the late 18 th century to the early 19 th century, but there have indeed been many artists after that time,

  • Hugh Stollmeyer (1913-1981)
  • Sybil Atteck (1911-1975)
  • LeRoy Clarke (born 1939)
  • Isaiah James Boodhoo (born 1932)
  • Dean Arlen (born 1966).

Some of their work is demonstrated in the art gallery.