In an unprecedented act of solidarity, Italian artist Maestro Paolo Solei presented to Asher Mains, President of the Grenada Arts Council (GAC), a beautifully rendered painting.
Using elements from the Grenada flag, he depicted a Grenada of peace, vibrant life, and fraternal accord. The colours resonate with Grenada’s local culture, and demonstrate the research that the artist has undertaken. The painting is 80 cm x 80 cm, and is entitled, “No Man is an Island”, taken from the theme of the pavilion. This beautiful work of art will be part of the Grenada Arts Council’s permanent collection that will be displayed in the Grenada National Museum.
Maestro Solei is part of the Perceptive Group that is showing in collaboration in the Grenada Pavilion in the 60th Biennale di Venezia, curated by Dr Daniele Radini Tedeschi. While this is Grenada’s 7th participation since 2015, this is the first time one of the international artists involved has so thoughtfully gifted an original painting that will come to Grenada at the end of the Biennale.
Dr Oliver Benoit, Chairman of the Grenada National Museum said, “This is the type of collaboration we seek with international organizations regarding the arts, culture and heritage.” Benoit continued, “We are touched by the kindness and thoughtfulness of the artist. It is an example for us to follow as we interact with others.”
Dr Susan Mains, Commissioner of the Pavilion on behalf of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism presented Maestro Solei with a small painting of a nutmeg, a lovely box of spices from Belmont Estate, and of course, a bar of Jouvay chocolate.
Of the 88 countries with national pavilions, Cuba and Grenada are the sole participants from the Caribbean islands, and continue to be the standard bearers. The Grenada Pavilion will continue to be an ambassador of art and culture in Venice, Italy until 24 November. This has been made possible by support from the Ministry of Culture through the Grenada National Lotteries Authority, the Grenada Tourism Authority, the Italian company the Start Group, the Grenada Arts Council and many private and corporate donations. Website is www.grenadavenice.org
GAC
