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Exhibition Catalogue for an Exhibition of Chinese Artists of Trinidad and Tobago
\nfor the 200th Anniversary of the Arrival of the Chinese in Trinidad and Tobago
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Foreword<\/strong><\/h3>\n

On October 12, 1806 one hundred and ninety two Chinese men arrived in Trinidad on the ship \u2018Fortitude’. Historical records reveal that this was the first organized settlement of Chinese in the Americas. It is felt that the 200th Anniversary of the arrival of Chinese in Trinidad & Tobago, October 12 2006, is a significant milestone in the history, not only of the Chinese community, but of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, with its multiethnic, multicultural society.<\/p>\n

The activities and events to celebrate the Bicentennial Anniversary of the Arrival of the Chinese in Trinidad & Tobago will promote an increased awareness and appreciation that our life and culture have been shaped and enriched by persons of different ethnic origins. We hope that the 200 years experience of the Chinese in Trinidad and Tobago, their integration into society, their life styles, achievements, contributions, struggles and impact will help to restore harmonious relationships between persons of every racial and ethnic origin in our country.<\/p>\n

It is not by accident that of the 20 odd planned events, 6 are directly concerned with paintings or photography and 5 others with culture. I am certain that this reflects the major influence of the Chinese in these areas. This current exhibition brings together under one roof a collection of arguably the best work of Chinese artists of Trinidad & Tobago. We gratefully acknowledge the deep interest, knowledge and commitment of Mr. Geoffrey Maclean, the curator of this show.<\/p>\n

David Picou
\nChairman
\nChinese Bicentennial Committee
\nSeptember 27, 2006<\/p>\n

Introduction<\/strong><\/h3>\n

It can be said that the Chinese brought with them from their homeland traditional artistic techniques, forms and calligraphy, but it wasn’t until the late 1920’s that the first recognizable talent from the Chinese community emerged. It also began a tradition of artistic pioneering by the community.<\/p>\n

Amy Leong Pang (b.1908 d.1989) was a founding member of The Society of Trinidad Independents. The Independents gathered in private homes, painted and discussed the arts and developed their ideas. Leong Pang became mentor and teacher to several of the young artists of the time, including Carlisle Chang (b.1921 d.2001). The Independents disbanded in 1939 giving way to the formation in 1943 of the Trinidad Art Society. Leong Pang and Sybil Atteck (b.1911 d.1975) were founder members of the Society. Atteck’s knowledge and experience of European and pre-Columbian art provided an intellectual validity to a growing and independent expression from Trinidad and Tobago.<\/p>\n

Atteck was tireless in promoting younger artists, including Pat Chu Foon (b.1931 d. 1998), who became known for his public sculptures, and Ou (Edwin) Hing Wan (b.1932 d.1976). Between 1951 and 1975, Hing Wan produced some of Trinidad and Tobago’s finest watercolours inspired by the landscape of Mayaro and Guayaguayare.<\/p>\n

The pre-Independence years of the late 1950’s and early 1960’s provided Carlisle Chang with a platform for his expression. He is best known for his public murals – The Inherent Nobility of Man at Piarco Airport, destroyed in 1977; Conquerabia for the new Port of Spain City Hall; Cosmic Event for the fa\u00e7ade of the new Textel building and The Elements – Air, Earth, Fire, Water at The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago. Chang’s influence on the artists from this period can be seen in the work of Willi Chen (b.1938) and Audley Sue Wing (b.1939).<\/p>\n

Sue Wing’s New Dawn was a prize winner of a competition sponsored by the National Independence Committee in 1962. Chen is perhaps best known for his mural, Solar Marinorama, commissioned in 1962 for The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago, but since removed from its original location. No other artists in Trinidad and Tobago have produced work on the scale of Chang and Chen.<\/p>\n

Innovation and originality continued into the eighties and nineties with the work of Cynthia McLean (b.1941) with her combinations of media including copper, brass and aluminium and traditional acrylic and canvas; Greer Jones (b.1955) with her textile prints and multi-dimensional views; and James Amow (b.1947) with his painted clay and wood. Amow works almost exclusively in black and white. His style is based on his experience as a graphic designer and his appreciation of Chinese calligraphy. Kathyn Chan (b.1960) works in several mediums producing a range of works from traditional painting to kinetic sculptures.<\/p>\n

Younger artists, including Susan Dayal (b.1968) and Brian Wong Won (b.1970) continue the traditions of independent expression, Dayal with her wire sculptures and Wong Won with his playful depictions of carnival figures and distorted buildings. Raymond Yawching (b.1969) uses photo-realism in extraordinary representations of popular figures and scenes.<\/p>\n

After two hundred years, the Chinese community continues to foster pioneers of artistic expression. Their contribution to Trinidad and Tobago’s art and culture remains invaluable.<\/p>\n

Geoffrey MacLean
\nSeptember 2006<\/p>\n

Featured Artists:<\/strong><\/h3>\n