BEYOND STEREOTYPES
MEN CHANGING THE NARRATIVE
Exhibition at The Rotunda Gallery, The Red House, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad
From November 11th through November 22nd, 2024
My contribution to this exhibition is Build up Nepal:
Build up Nepal
2024, multicolored & gold acrylic on canvas, 12x12 inches, $500 U.S.
Founded by Björn Söderberg and his wife Bina Shrestha after a large earthquake struck the country in 2015, Build up Nepal (BUN) provides a sustainable, resilient, and low-carbon alternative to traditional clay-fired bricks.
BUN’s eco-interlocking bricks are compressed instead of fired, reducing CO2 emissions by 75% and air pollution by 90%. Made from local materials like stone dust and containing just 6-7% cement, the eco-bricks are also significantly cheaper than fired bricks. BUN’s ultimate goal is 0% cement, 100% carbon-neutral bricks.
BUN helps people in cities and rural areas build affordable, eco-friendly, earthquake-resilient homes. They sell brick-making equipment to entrepreneurs, train them to produce bricks from local materials like stone, soil, dust, and fibres, and teach them how to build homes with steel reinforcements. Their technology is now approved by the Nepalese government’s Building Code.
Build up Nepal is a Finalist for Prince William’s 2024 Earthshot Prize!
TIMELESS TRADITIONS
Celebrating Chinese Culture and Legacy
In Commemoration of Double Ten Day
Exhibition at The Rotunda Gallery, The Red House, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad
From October 7th through October 18th, 2024
My contribution to this exhibition is Assorted Red Lanterns Hanging from the Ceiling:
HARMONY ACROSS BORDERS
CONNECTING CULTURES and NATIONS
Exhibition at The Rotunda Gallery, The Red House, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad
From September 16th through October 4th, 2024
My contribution to this exhibition is: Only Justice Brings Lasting Peace
UNITY in DIVERSITY
Celebrating Trinidad and Tobago
Exhibition at The Rotunda Gallery, The Red House, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad
From August 19th through September 13th, 2024
My contribution to this exhibition is Doubles:
PERCUSSION: The Sounds of Steelpan
Exhibition at The Rotunda Gallery, The Red House, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad
From July 22nd through August 16st, 2024
My contribution to this exhibit is All Women Steel Band and Limbo Dancer on Maracas Beach:
Indra Persad Milowe is an internationally acclaimed artist accredited by the UNOFEX (Union of Excellence). She has journeyed through life with a passion for art that has defined her path and captivated audiences globally. Born with an innate talent and a deep appreciation for the natural world, Indra's work reflects her rich cultural heritage and the vibrant stories of her homeland, Trinidad and Tobago.
CULTURALLY ARTS COLLECTIVE
Beautiful Ubud, Bali
Click on the painting below, Penjors Adorn the Sky, to see the online exhibition:
Beautiful Ubud, Bali
A Solo Art Exhibition by Trinidad-born, Salem resident and visual artist, Indra Persad Milowe
At the Malden Public Library, 36 Salem Street, Malden, MA 02148
(781) 324-0218, https://maldenpubliclibrary.org/
from Monday, July 1st through Monday, July 29th, 2024
Artist Website: www.indrapersadmilowe.com Artist Instagram: indra.persad.milowe Artist Facebook: Indra Persad-milowe
I recently returned from my second trip to Ubud, Bali, Indonesia as an "Artist in Residence." I was invited to a Traditional Balinese Wedding, a three-month Baby Ceremony and the five-day Odalan Festival. I visited Museum Puri Lukisan, Blanco Renaissance Museum, Neka Art Museum, Agung Rai Museum of Art, Rudana Museum, Puri Lempad Bali Home and Gallery and Setia Darma House of Masks and Puppets.
I attended the Barong Dance Performance, Legong Dance Performance, Kecak Fire and Trance Dance and Wayang Kulit - The Shadow Puppet Theater. I visited the Pura Taman Saraswati Temple, Pura Dalem Temple, Pura Gunung Lebah Temple and the Pura Dalem Taman Kaja Temple.
<<<<< MY GLASS CASE DISPLAY OF BALINESE PUPPETS AND ABSTRACT ART
IS SURROUNDED BY NUMEROUS MARIGOLDS ON EXOTIC FABRIC!
FREE FORM: A Representation of Life
Exhibition at The Rotunda Gallery, The Red House, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad
From May 27th through June 21st, 2024
My contribution to this exhibit is Phantasmagoria:
Juneteenth 2024 International Art Exhibition
Curated by:
Art Impact® International
From June 1st through December 31st, 2024
I contributed three paintings to this exhibition:
(1) Melvin, the Fancy Sailor Mas! (holding talcum powder and a dancing stick)
Carnival is also called mas, short for masquerade, It is, above all, a remembrance, and a celebration of the freeing of slaves. Some former slaves were able to become sailors and travel the world. But they never forgot their home countries and turned out for the annual Carnivals to play “sailor mas.”
If you’re a lad or if you’re a lass,
You can play the sailor mas
If you stand short, if you stand tall,
Get on your costume for Carnival!
Before they had machines that fly,
Swooping down straight from the sky,
Folks came to these islands on a boat,
‘Cause in the waters they can float!
On deck you sailors do be glad,
Soon we’ll be landing in Trinidad!
And those of you down below,
We’ll let you off in Tobago!
At Carnival celebrate that you are free,
From the shackles and miseries of slavery,
Still in our world are people in chains,
They hardly enjoy the sunshine and rains.
We vow to work in any way we can,
Freeing each child, woman, and man,
Only when every last one is free,
Can real celebration surely be!
(2) Jab Molassie
When I was 8 years old, I experienced Jab Molassie. I was awakened to non-stop whistles in front of our home in Curepe, Trinidad. I peeked out the window and saw a band of Blue Mas players outside our gate shouting, “Pay the Devil.” I was really scared and hid inside. My mother saw that “I was ‘fraid” (Trinnie talk) so she gave me a handful of coins and said, “Throw the money for them.” They picked up all the coins, then moved over to the house next door. I was relieved! They leaped and pranced, smeared in blue paint and molasses, wearing wings, horns and wire tails while carrying pitchforks. They all had whistles in their mouths that dramatized their movements, and they threatened to smear spectators unless they paid them off. Their dancing and performance were accompanied by men beating empty biscuits and oil cans. They had metal chains around their waists, symbolizing the slave trade that finally ended in the 19 th century. The combination of molasses and soot on their faces and bodies is a reminder of the arduous toil of the slaves in the fields, cutting the sugar cane and heating it over large fires to extract the molasses.
Jab is the French patois for Diable (Devil), and Molassie is the French patois for Mélasse (Molasses). This is known as a Devil Molasses Mas which is played annually in the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival.
(3) The Legacy of Slavery
Chronic depression and anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder are triggered by various types of trauma. This could be physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. It could also be environmental oppression such as slavery, indentureship, lack of a free life lived with justice and peace. Because of severe injustices, redemption can only come with genuine reparations to those wronged and to present generations still suffering because of the past violence and oppression. “Until we are all free, we are none of us free!” (Emma Lazarus, 1883) I would add to that: Until we all receive justice and peace, none of us has justice and peace!
Click here to see the gallery:
Click here for the youtube version with music!, artists’ photos and countries:
Shaping a Better Tomorrow
The Joy of Giving: World Red Cross Day
Exhibition at The Rotunda Gallery, The Red House, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad
Monday May 6th through Friday May 24th, 2024
See the entire exhibition here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=939040867903253
My contribution to this exhibition is: We Are There When You Need Us
Beautiful Ubud, Bali
A Solo Art Exhibition by Trinidad-born, Salem resident and visual artist, Indra Persad Milowe
At the Hamilton-Wenham Public Library, 14 Union Street, South Hamilton, MA 01982
(978) 468-5577, https://hwlibrary.org/
from Wednesday, May 1st through Saturday, June 29th, 2024
Artist Website: www.indrapersadmilowe.com Artist Instagram: indra.persad.milowe Artist Facebook: Indra Persad-milowe
I recently returned from my second trip to Ubud, Bali, Indonesia as an "Artist in Residence." I was invited to a Traditional Balinese Wedding, a three-month Baby Ceremony and the five-day Odalan Festival. I visited Museum Puri Lukisan, Blanco Renaissance Museum, Neka Art Museum, Agung Rai Museum of Art, Rudana Museum, Puri Lempad Bali Home and Gallery and Setia Darma House of Masks and Puppets.
I attended the Barong Dance Performance, Legong Dance Performance, Kecak Fire and Trance Dance and Wayang Kulit - The Shadow Puppet Theater. I visited the Pura Taman Saraswati Temple, Pura Dalem Temple, Pura Gunung Lebah Temple and the Pura Dalem Taman Kaja Temple.
There are 20 paintings in this exhibition.
Invest in Women
Exhibition at The Rotunda Gallery, The Red House, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad
March 4th through April 5th, 2024
My contributions to this exhibition are:
Beautiful Ubud, Bali
A Solo Art Exhibition by Trinidad-born, Salem resident and visual artist, Indra Persad Milowe
At the Beverly Public Library, 32 Essex Street, Beverly, MA 01915
(978) 921-6062, https://beverlypubliclibrary.org/
from Friday, March 1st through Tuesday, April 30th 2024
Artist Website: www.indrapersadmilowe.com Artist Instagram: indra.persad.milowe Artist Facebook: Indra Persad-milowe
I recently returned from my second trip to Ubud, Bali, Indonesia as an "Artist in Residence." I was invited to a 1)Traditional Balinese Wedding, 2) A 3-month Baby Ceremony and 3) 5 day Odalan Festival. I visited 1) Museum Puri Lukisan, 2) Blanco Renaissance Museum, 3) Neka Art Museum, 4) Agung Rai Museum of Art, 5) Rudana Museum, 6) Puri Lempad Bali Home and Gallery and 7) Setia Darma House of Masks and Puppets.
I attended the 1) Barong Dance Performance, 2) Legong Dance Performance, 3) Kecak Fire and Trance Dance and 4) Wayang Kulit - The Shadow Puppet Theater. I visited the 1) Pura Taman Saraswati Temple, 2) Pura Dalem Temple, 3) Pura Gunung Lebah Temple and 4) Pura Dalem Taman Kaja Temple.
There are 20 paintings in this exhibition.
The Story, The Style, The Spectacle of Sailor Mas
At The Rotunda Gallery, Red House, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad from Monday, February 5th through Friday, March 1st
My contribution to this exhibition (below) is "Melvin, the Fancy Sailor Mas"
Mas is short for masquerade. Masquerade is a costume party where masks are worn. In reference to the Trinidad Carnival, there are big parades that occur where the participants, who are known as masquerades, dress up in costumes, masks and other disguises and dance or perform.
If you’re a lad or if you’re a lass,
You can play the sailor mas
If you stand short, if you stand tall,
Get on your costume for Carnival!
Before they had machines that fly,
Swooping down straight from the sky,
Folks came to these islands on a boat,
‘Cause in the waters they can float!
On deck you sailors do be glad,
Soon we’ll be landing in Trinidad!
And those of you down below,
We’ll let you off in Tobago!
At Carnival celebrate that you are free,
From the shackles and miseries of slavery,
Still in our world are people in chains,
They hardly enjoy the sunshine and rains.
We vow to work in any way we can,
Freeing each child, woman, and man,
Only when every last one is free,
Can real celebration surely be!
Against All Odds!
Curated by Art Impact International
February 1st through April 30th, 2024
These three of my paintings are exhibited:
"Geoffrey Holder": The actor plays Baron Samedi as a fictional character from the James Bond novel and film, Live and Let Die.
"Muruku Clean Stoves": Charlot Magayi, founder and CEO of Mukuru Clean Stoves, won a £1 million Earthshot Prize in 2022.
"All Women Steelband & Limbo Dancer": Steel bands originated in Trinidad and Tobago. Today, groups of musicians play together with steelpan instruments with pitches from soprano to bass.
SEE MY VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmHnN9J16wc
SEE THE VIRTUAL GALLERY: https://artspaces.kunstmatrix.com/en/exhibition/12662772/against-all-odds
SEE THE GROUP VIDEO: https://youtu.be/1Lmmiru3IXs
WIRE, SCULPTURE, MINIATURE AND TEXTURED ART
Rotunda Gallery, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad
January 20th through February 15th, 2024
View works from over 60 artists with a combined 83 pieces of art! The artists showed us tremendous skill in using a variety of materials, techniques and forms. Some of the pieces were in wire sculpture, copper sculpture, clay sculpture, aluminum, assemblage, cement, textured art, encaustic (bees wax and tree sap), paper collage, fabric collage, paper quilling, and mixed media.
Beautiful Ubud, Bali
A Solo Art Exhibition by Trinidad-born, Salem resident and visual artist Indra Persad Milowe
Friday, January 5th until Friday, February 16th, 2024
Topsfield Library, 1 South Common Street, Topsfield, MA 01983, Tel: 978-887-1528
I recently returned from my second trip to Ubud, Bali, Indonesia as an "Artist in Residence" at www.airubud.com. 1st trip: I was invited to a Traditional Balinese Wedding, a 3- month Baby Ceremony and a 5-day Odalan festival. 2nd trip: I was invited to their 10-day Gulungan and Kuningan festivals. Visit the Travel Section of my website: www.indrapersadmilowe.com for details and photographs of both trips. I also have two other art collections: 1) "Festivals & Folklore of Trinidad, West Indies," 2) "My Journey to Morocco." Enclosed are 6 SNEAK PEEKS from my 20 Bali paintings. The highlights of all my paintings can be seen through my photography on my Instagram: indra.persad.milowe
Second SNEAK PEEK - 18x24 Vertical. "Subak Rice Fields": Spiritual rice farming is a unique water management system for rice fields, which is at the basis of Bali’s green and lush landscape. On the Island of Gods, rice farming is a community affair. All rice farmers are obligated to join a subak association to jointly decide on matters such as planting, crops, pest control, and irrigation. What makes this system even more unique is its strong spiritual element: life in the subak revolves around the pura, a temple specially built by farmers to worship the Goddess of Rice and Fertility, Dewi Sri. Every rice field has a shrine, every subak a temple and up to 15 blessing ceremonies are held per season to ensure a good harvest. Balinese people view rice as a gift from God and a symbol of life. Every 210 days when Galungan is celebrated, penjors, decorated bamboo poles, can be seen everywhere including in the rice fields.
Fourth SNEAK PEEK - 18x24 Vertical. "The Barong Dance": Barong is the mythical fierce but good lion who fights and repels the evil demon queen, Ranga. The dance demonstrates the mythological depiction of animals that have supernatural powers and could protect humans.
Sixth SNEAK PEEK - 18x24 Horizontal. "Rice Dolls": Made with bunches of matured rice grains.
First SNEAK PEEK - 18x24 Vertical. "Penjors Adorn the Sky": A ubiquitous cultural attribute you would mostly see during Galungan, which is a festival held every 210 days in Bali. Prayers (puja) honor ancestors (pitrus) and other people who have passed away, thanking them for their contributions. This pitru puja cultivates gratitude in living people. Tall, curved poles of bamboo adorned with decorations are displayed in front of virtually every building in Bali. These are called penjors, and they honor the deceased and are a thankful expression for daily blessings.
Third SNEAK PEEK - 18x24 Vertical. "Dewi Sri": Dewi Sri is the Balinese, Javanese and Lombok Rice and Fertility Goddess. She is widely venerated as the great benefactress of the people who protects them against hunger, even in the semi-Islamized regions. Sri brings the rain when the monsoon arrives and appears in dreams to give good advice.
Fifth SNEAK PEEK - 18x24 Horizontal. "Wayang Kulit": An Indonesian form of shadow puppetry holds the audience’s attention with riveting storylines executed masterfully by the dhalang, or puppeteer. The puppets are made of buffalo hide and intricately designed, down to the most minute detail of costume and color, to help the audience distinguish between the different characters. The dhalang tells the stories of kings, princesses, ogres, and knights, using deft hand movement and
narration. While traditional performances used cotton sheets and oil lamps to create the play of light, electric bulbs or other sources of light are used today. Many of the plots draw from episodes seen in the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
CELEBRATING PUBLIC ART
MY OUTDOOR PUBLIC ART IN DERBY SQUARE AND ARTISTS’ ROW, SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS
Creating public art is a privilege. My audience is wide and varied. My goal is not only to please the eye with bright colors, but to uplift people’s spirits. Kailash is a painted electrical box in Derby Square named after the mountain regarded as holy by four religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Bon. My 24 painted bollards on Artists’ Row are named after Mirabai, the famous 16th century poet-saint of India.
Click the links below to view the Salem Public Art website featuring my public art:
https://www.artworkarchive.com/profile/salemartsma/artist/indra-persad-milowe
ANASAEA VIRTUAL GALLERY
Click this link to get to the gallery: https://www.anasaea.com/artist/ZCZM7PAznkKYhkAsA
Then when you arrive, click the photo with the tree that is titled Indra Persad Milowe Gallery.
ROTUNDA GALLERY, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
TALES OF OUR ANCESTORS
“The exhibition represents folktales and superstitions of Trinidad and Tobago and features work done in a variety of media. The exhibition runs from Monday 16th October to Friday 3rd November 2023. Our opening hours are 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Also see the other events happening for Caribbean Folklore Month! Caribbean Books Foundation. See you soon! © 2023 Office of the Parliament. All rights reserved.”
LINK TO THE EXHIBITION VIDEO: https://www.facebook.com/rotundagallerytt/videos/326806916635029
My contribution to this exhibition are these two paintings:
Signed Masterpieces International Art Exhibition
For International Day of Sign Languages and the Week of the Deaf
Shiva Nataraja, or Shiva the Cosmic Dancer: Shaivites, or worshippers of Lord Shiva can be found today in parts of India such as Kashmir and Tamil Nadu as well as in parts of southeast Asia, especially Bali. For Shaivites, Shiva is equivalent to the Supreme Deity or Brahman and not simply a manifestation of God, in charge of destruction and transformation. In this modern depiction of Nataraja, Lord Shiva’s sign language shows that He holds the ampoule of vaccine in the agni or fire hand. He holds the syringe and needle in his right hand with the “fear not” mudra. As always, He stands with His right foot on, and tramples Apasmara, the demon dwarf representing spiritual ignorance. His front left hand points to His left foot, which is held high, indicating the possibility of moksha, Divine realization and liberation.
Lord Rama's Ring: The most convincing thing Hanuman could do to convince Sita that Rama had sent him to rescue her was to show her a sign. He reached into his pocket and withdrew Lord Rama’s ring. Upon seeing this sign language, Sita needed no further convincing! Although they spoke, Sita was also convinced by another sign, that of the intense bhakti, or devotion, that Lord Hanuman showed for Sri Ram!
Click here to see my contribution to the exhibition on youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Jk-PCx7R6U
Click here to see the entire exhibition on youtube:
Rotunda Gallery, Trinidad & Tobago
My contribution to this exhibition was “The Shouters.”
Mirabai: 24 Bollards painted on Artists Row, Salem, MA
My latest outdoor public artwork is entitled Mirabai, honoring the sixteenth century Indian poet-saint. She authored more than 1400 poems and devotional songs (bhajans). Here is a poem that reflects my latest project, repainting with beautiful colors the two dozen black bollards on Artists’ Row in Salem, Massachusetts.
Mira’s Colors
By Mirabai, translated by Chloe Martinez
I’m dyed dark with him.
I dressed up / put on ankle-bells / gave up on shame / danced
I’ve taken on his deep hue.
I took up with mystics / got called perverse / was faithful, true, in my body
I’m colored with his colors.
I sang night and day / described his qualities / escaped time, death, snakes
His colors seep through me.
The whole world would taste bitter / without him / it would all be useless
I’m blue like my beloved.
Mira says, O Mountain-lifter, listen / I’m drenched in your sweetness
Translated from the Braj-Bhasha [an old version of modern Hindi], from
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/poems/157749/miras-colors
Public Art is art in any media whose form, function and meaning are created for the general public through a public process. It is a specific art genre with its own professional and critical discourse. Public art is visually and physically accessible to the public; it is installed in a public space in both outdoor and indoor settings. Public art seeks to embody public or universal concepts rather than commercial, partisan or personal concepts or interests. Notably, public art is also the direct or indirect product of a public process of creation, procurement, and/or maintenance.
Think London! Think Paris! Think Salem, MA. 24 black bollards were redesigned and repainted on Artist Row in Salem, MA. by Trinidad born visual and public artist Indra Persad Milowe, assisted by her physician husband George Milowe. They are both retired and have travelled extensively around the world, learning about art in many cultures. Bollards are short vertical posts installed to control road traffic and designed to prevent automotive vehicles from colliding or crashing into pedestrians and structures.
Recently, I learned the concept Tikkun Ha’Olam, Hebrew for "fixing the world.” It means that we are obligated to leave the world in a better condition by the time our lives are over. Repair the world. Mend the world. Heal the world. For an artist like myself, I would add, make this world a more beautiful place!
Juneteenth 2023 International Art Exhibition
Mon, 06/19/2023 to Thu, 08/31/2023, CLICK HERE to see the entire exhibition: Art Impact® International
My three paintings in this exhibition are:
The Shouters
The origins of the Spiritual Shouter Baptist Faith in Trinidad and Tobago has evolved over time to become a unique, indigenous religion. It has managed to fuse the spontaneity and rhythms of Africa (Yoruba religion) with the restrained, traditional tenets of Christianity to produce a religion that is vibrant, expressive, and dynamic.
The British banned the Shouters due to their loud shouting, singing and clapping from 1917 to 1951. Every March 30th, Spiritual (Shouter) Baptist Liberation Day commemorates the abolition of the colonial-era British-instituted Shouters Prohibition Ordinance.
Dancing the Cocoa
“Dancing the cocoa” is an ancient tradition practiced in the Caribbean on cocoa plantations by descendants of the African enslaved and the East Indian indentured labourers and also by the Cocoa Panyol/Creole peoples. This process was used to polish the beans before the roasting and conching process.
After drying the beans, some farmers will “dance” the cocoa, the traditional way of polishing the beans. Some water is splashed onto the pile of dry beans and the farmers will dance bare footed so that the beans rub together. This gives them a nice sheen that might them be more attractive to the buyer!
Canboulay Reveler
“In the late eighteenth century, The Spanish Crown allowed French settlers and freed people of color alike into Trinidad. These settlers held annual masquerade balls. The slaves, who were excluded from the masquerades, decided to enact their own form of Carnival in the slave quarters where they were allowed a modicum of freedom. Their merriments came to be known as ‘Canboulay’ or ‘Cannes Bruleés’ (burnt cane) since they were held at the same time as the burning and harvesting period for sugar cane. Although the celebrations would culminate in dancing and singing, the significance of ‘Canboulay’ is in its mockery of oppressors.”
https://www.amplifyafrica.org/the-history-of-carnival-in-trinidad-tobago/
“Canboulay became even more important as a symbol of freedom and defiance after the official emancipation of slaves in 1838. The celebrations became more daring and louder but were met with hostility from the British colonial government. The government tried to stifle it by outlawing all forms of drumming, singing in public, masquerading, stick fighting, and the practice of all African based religions. As is the nature of carnival, though, when met with resistance, alternative methods were found. The freed slaves did not let the bans stop them and switched to using bamboo sticks. When bamboo sticks were banned, they then switched to using small biscuit tins. In the process, the steelpan emerged, which is an instrument still used in carnival today.”
https://www.amplifyafrica.org/the-history-of-carnival-in-trinidad-tobago/
I grew up in Trinidad where Carnival is an annual joyous event. Like Juneteenth in the USA, it celebrates freedom from the yoke of slavery, which finally ended in 1838 under the British rule. For me, an Indo-Trinidadian, whose great grandparents came from central India, it is also a time to rejoice in the end of indentureship of my ancestors. Desperate for lack of free slave labor, the British, stating in 1845, recruited poor Indians to toil in the hot tropical sun. At least they gave them the promised small piece of land after five years of work. That land is still in my family! Indentureship was finally ended in 1920.
Beautiful Ubud, Bali: A Solo Art Exhibition by Trinidad-born, Salem resident and visual artist Indra Persad Milowe
Monday 5th June until Monday 3rd July 2023 at the Charlotte and William Bloomberg Medford Public Library, 111 High Street, Medford, MA 02155, Tel: 781-395-7950
Canang Sari (right): is one of the daily offerings made by Balinese Hindus to thank Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa (the Supreme Deity) in praise and prayer. Canang sari will be seen in the Balinese temples, on small shrines in houses, and on the ground or as a part of a larger offering.
Rotunda Gallery, Trinidad & Tobago
Some samples from the exhibition are here below:
Here are some samples (below) from the exhibition:
My painting in this exhibition:
The Kutiya (Hindu Temple): Weekends and holidays were spent at the home of my ajee (paternal grandmother) and aja (paternal grandfather) attending celebrations and festivals at this community kutiya. My grandparents helped clean the temple; it was essential that everywhere was spotlessly clean to welcome all the Hindu deities. I helped by sweeping. We chanted while arranging everything neatly on a tray and making malas (garlands). The older ladies helped in preparing the mohanbhog (prasad), their churiyas (bangles) on their godnas (tattooed wrists) jingled while they stirred the huge pots. This Kutiya was surrounded by these colorful (prayer flags) of every imaginable color on tall, straight bamboo poles. A custom that was brought back from Uttar Pradesh, they still have them to this date. I loved to sit quietly on the grass and wish upon them, as they blew in the wind, like colors of the rainbow.
My contribution to this exhibit is:
The Blue Trees in the PEM Axelrod Walkway (below)
The Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) Axelrod Walkway is a part of the PEM, running along the east side of their campus. The ginkgo sentry trees, imported from Japan, line the walkway, the front facade of the museum and Armory Park across the street. These spots provide cool shady respites from the summer sun. Because the trees are blue, I propose to paint the PEM Axelrod Walkway and benches in the modern art of rainbow colors! On the left side are colorful tulips in bloom. Under the blue trees are more colorful buds of tulips and the branches are covered with green shoots.
Why blue trees? Konstantin Dimopoulos, who painted the trees, chose this color because blue trees do not exist in nature. By doing so, he compels us to take notice of these otherworldly trees and prompts a larger conversation about the role of trees in our local environment and elsewhere on the planet. For rampant deforestation is a significant contributor to climate change and the loss of biodiversity.
Springs Greetings!
Beautiful Ubud, Bali
A Solo Art Exhibition by Trinidad born, Salem, MA resident and visual artist Indra Persad Milowe
Monday, 1st May 2023 until Wednesday, 31st May 2023
The Blake Gallery, Lucius Beebe Memorial Library, 345 Main Street, Wakefield, MA 01880. Tel: 781-246-6334
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I recently returned from Ubud, Bali, Indonesia as an "Artist-in-Residence." While there, I was invited to a Traditional Balinese Wedding, a three-month Baby Ceremony and a five-day Odalan Festival.
There are 16 of my paintings exhibited. Here is a sneak preview of a few of them:
Canang Sari: is one of the daily offerings made by Balinese Hindus to thank Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa (the Supreme Deity) in praise and prayer. Canang sari will be seen in the Balinese temples, on small shrines in houses, and on the ground or as a part of a larger offering.
The Barong Dance. Barong is the mythical fierce but good lion who fights and repels the evil demon queen, Ranga. The dance demonstrates the mythological depiction of animals that have supernatural powers and could protect humans.
Here the artist, Indra Persad Milowe, sits in the Blake Gallery, where the wise words of Albert Einstein echo:
Cili figures: A cili is an effigy of Dewi Sri, the Rice Goddess, made from lontar (fan palm) leaves. Dewi Sri is typically represented in an hourglass shape such as this example. Such figures are placed in Balinese fields to protect and promote fertility of wet rice agriculture, and illustrate the importance of rice production in Southeast Asia where it is the staple diet.
Wayang Kulit: is an Indonesian form of shadow puppetry holding the audience’s attention with riveting storylines executed masterfully by the dhalang, or puppeteer. The puppets are made of buffalo hide and intricately designed, down to the most minute detail of costume and color, to help the audience distinguish between the different characters. The dhalang tells the stories of kings, princesses, ogres, and knights, using deft hand movement and narration. While traditional performances used cotton sheets and oil lamps to create the play of light, electric bulbs or other sources of light are used today. Many of the plots draw from episodes seen in the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Balinese funeral procession before cremation: Ngaben is the Balinese Hindu funeral and cremation ceremony. The Hindu people of Bali believe that the soul of a person is trapped in its body until the body can be appropriately cremated. The soul of the dead person then can enter the upper realm where it can wait to be reborn or become liberated from the cycles of rebirths.
Rotunda Gallery, Trinidad & Tobago
Indra Persad-Milowe is our featured artist today, she is exhibiting her work virtually. Her piece is titled:
‘Mukuru Clean Stoves’ 2023 -Multi-colored and Gold Acrylic paints on canvas 12x12” $500 USD
Charlot Magayi, founder and CEO of Mukuru Clean Stoves, won a £1 million Earthshot Prize, December 2, 2022, awarded by Prince William. She was orphaned when she was 10 years old, living in the Mukuru Kwa Njenga slum in Nairobi. She became a mother at 16 years old. Magayi started Mukuru Clean Stoves in 2017 after her daughter was severely burnt by a charcoal-burning stove.
She created this new stove with safety features. Compared to traditional stoves, these stoves reduce the risk of burns in children by 40%. Rather than burning dangerous solid fuels, Mukuru Clean Stoves use processed biomass made from charcoal, wood and sugarcane. The stoves use 30-60% less fuel compared to other traditional stoves on the market and reduce toxic smoke emissions by 50-90%. She and her neighbors in this town in Kenya live in thatched roof houses. Colorful African fabrics are also depicted in the painting.
© 2023 Office of the Parliament. All rights reserved.
DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality
Beautiful Ubud, Bali
A Solo Art Exhibition by Trinidad born, Salem resident and visual artist Indra Persad Milowe
Tuesday 21st February until Saturday 29th April 2023
Winthrop Public Library and Museum, 2 Metcalf Square, Winthrop, MA 02152. Tel: 617-846-1703
GREEN GALLERY for the GREENBELT
Opening & Reception: Saturday 4th March from 4pm - 7pm at the
SLOW RIVER STUDIO
17 Main Street, Topsfield, MA 01983. Tel: 978-491-1272
www.slowriverstudio.com/gallery
GREEN ART IN SUPPORT OF ESSEX COUNTY GREENBELT
To the left: The artist with her painting:
Cricket Match in Trinidad, West Indies
by Trinidad born visual artist Indra Persad Milowe
I was featured in The Herald, e-newsletter of The First Church in Salem (MA). Here you can see (going clockwise): the artist, Penjors, Wayang Kulit and The Barong.
Rotunda Gallery, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad & Tobago
https://www.facebook.com/rotundagallerytt
Now you have a chance to view the entire exhibition through our digital catalogue!! View all the works currently on show at the Rotunda Gallery for the exhibition titled “People of African Descent: Recognition, Justice and Development” while reading about each piece and the artist that created it! The exhibition featured works by 49 Artists with 80+ pieces of work! If you have a chance, be sure to stop by and view these pieces in person! © 2023 Office of the Parliament. All rights reserved.
My painting: The Shouters
The origins of the Shouters or Spiritual Shouter Baptist Faith in Trinidad and Tobago have evolved over time to become a unique, indigenous religion. It has managed to fuse the spontaneity and rhythms of Africa (Yoruba religion) with the restrained, traditional tenets of Christianity to produce a religion that is vibrant, expressive, and dynamic. The British banned the Shouters due to their loud shouting, singing and clapping from 1917 to 1951. Every March 30th, Spiritual (Shouter) Baptist Liberation Day commemorates the abolition of the colonial-era British-instituted Shouters Prohibition Ordinance.
Art Impact International - WHAT IS LOVE?
Tuesday 14th February - Sunday 23rd April 2023
82 works of art and 33 artists including Trinidad born visual artist Indra Persad Milowe.
https://artspaces.kunstmatrix.com/en/exhibition/11304940/what-is-love-series-no1
Three of my paintings are on display (from top to bottom) : 1) Moko Jumbie, 2) Pulling the Seine, 3) Mama Glo.
Video link of the 33 artists and 82 works of art:
What Is Love - Series 1 - Artists' Group Video 1 1080p HB
Kailash (Public Art Installation)
Public Art Installation in downtown Salem MA
https://www.artworkarchive.com/profile/salemartsma/artwork/kailash?collection=art-box
Rotunda Gallery: World Mental Health Day
Rotunda Gallery: "World Mental Health Day" - Monday 10th October 2022. “Healing Through Art: Making Mental Health and Well-Being for All a Global Priority”
The "TULSI" mural, a kaleidoscope of the imagination, is painted on the entrance wall of my art studio. It contains many of the healing colors which are used in color therapy for better mental health and well-being. For more scientific details about color therapy please refer to the following article: https://www.researchgate.net/.../349426950_COLOR_THERAPY...
The "ASA WRIGHT NATURE CENTER" is a jewel in the rainforest in northeast Trinidad. Here people can enjoy a spectacular forest setting with 166 species of beautiful, colorful birds. One can hike in the forest or simply relax and enjoy the great peace of nature. This healing practice of spending time in the woods in Japan is called shinrin-yoku, translated as “forest bathing.”
The " SPEYSIDE ESTATE AND WATER WHEEL" is a cultural heritage site in Tobago, used to be a sugar plantation into the early 20th century. Back then, the water wheel provided power for the sugar plantation. Today it is a lovely, peaceful and quiet place with a spectacular view of the sea, Goat Island and Little Tobago. Spending time at such a beautiful spot in nature enhances mental health and well-being.
Art Impact® International, Inc.
Art Impact® International, Inc. Nurturing Humanity Through Artists. 78 Artists from 13 countries - including me from Trinidad & Tobago/USA
War or Peace? - International Art Exhibition and Contest
https://www.artimpactinternational.org/war-or-peace-art/indra-persad-milowe
"The Ship of State": #9145 - Must be steered by ethics and morals. There is no place for racism, sexism or violation of LGBTQ rights. Poverty must be eradicated. We must live in harmony with our environment, including guarding our precious water supply and growing as much of our own food as possible. A single payer healthcare system insures the best medical care for every citizen and should replace our current tiered system, which insures inequality! Illustrating both respect and the beauty of diversity in our culture, the painting depicts a Hindu woman in front of her temple, an African Christian woman in front of her church and a Muslim woman in front of her mosque. This was made public on: Wednesday 21st September 2022: "International Day of Peace" (United Nations).
Festivals and Folklore of Trinidad, West Indies
I am a Trinidad-born Visual Artist based in Salem, Massachusetts and the owner of Tulsi Studio and Gallery. I have produced a Collection of Paintings depicting my Childhood Memories. Art brings to life my experiences of growing up in T&T in the 1950s and 1960s: “Festivals and Folklore of Trinidad, West Indies.”
I am showcasing a Solo Art Exhibition of 24 paintings throughout the Hamilton-Wenham Public Library from Thursday 1st September until Saturday 8th October 2022. It is located at 14 Union Street, South Hamilton, MA 01982. Tel:978-468-5577.
Solo Exhibition @ The Piper Gallery
Join Indra for her fourth solo exhibition, opening July 12th! The paintings reflect her many impressions of growing up in Trinidad and Tobago during the 1950s.
The exhibit is free and open to the public during regular library hours.
Digital Exhibition @ Rotunda Gallery TT
‘A Whirling Dervish’ 2022 – Multi-coloured & gold acrylic paints on canvas 12” circle $500 USD
A dervish (darvish, in Persian/Farsi) refers to a member of a Muslim Sufi religious order, some of whom have taken vows of poverty and austerity. Dervishes first appeared in the 12th century; they were noted for their wild or ecstatic rituals and were known as dancing, whirling, or howling dervishes according to the practice of their order.
Sufi whirling is a form of physically active meditation which originated among certain Sufi groups, and which is still practiced by the Sufi Dervishes of the Mevlevi order. Rumi was known as a “drunken Sufi” because he found ecstasy in dancing, poetry and music. According to the BBC: “It is believed that Rumi would turn round and round while reciting his poetry, and it is this dance which formed the basis for the Mevlevi Order, or Whirling Dervishes, after his death. Dervish means doorway, and the dance is believed to be a mystical portal between the earthly and cosmic worlds.” This is sought through abandoning one's nafs (ego or personal desires), by listening to the music, focusing on God, and spinning one's body in repetitive circles.
My Journey to Morocco @ Culture House Salem
Come see my new collection entitled: My Journey to Morocco (in person!) at Culture House in Downtown Salem, MA
https://culturehouse.cc/wp-event/my-journey-to-morocco/
Culture House Salem is located on the 1st floor of the Old Town Hall, 32 Derby Square, Salem, MA 01970. The Hours are: Wednesday & Thursday from 1pm - 6pm. Friday & Saturday 1pm - 8pm.
FREE ENTRY.
Digital Exhibition @ Rotunda Gallery TT
I have two pieces virtually on display this month
• ‘Reduce Human Overconsumption, Reduce Human Overpopulation’ 2022 – Acrylic on canvas 18x24” $1,000 USD
• ‘Kaleidoscope Portfolio’ 2022 – Mixed media (Cardboard box, rope & acrylic paint) 28x23” $500 USD
‘Reduce Human Overconsumption, Reduce Human Overpopulation’ - Overconsumption of our natural resources has led to our current environmental problems. These include the climate crisis; worldwide chemical pollution; air, noise and light pollution; disappearance of habitats with large scale species extinction.
Since natural resources are limited the idea of unlimited growth of an economy is preposterous! We must learn to live in harmony with nature, reducing our consumption. Most ecologists stress that we can maintain our comfortable lifestyle only with less consumption and a more limited human population size of about 1-2 billion people, far below the current 8 billion. We shall have to gradually reduce the numbers.
‘Kaleidoscope Portfolio’ - A "Kaleidoscope Portfolio" made of a reused cardboard container. Recycling is great; reusing is even better as it saves even more energy! The bright colours represent the six healing colours which are: red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple.
Circle Gallery / Art Impact International
I was named one of 33 “Artists of Merit” by Art Impact International, after submitting to their competition "Protect Habitat. Save the Planet".
with two of my pieces:
1) Reduce Human Overpopulation. Reduce Human Overconsumption.
2) "Kailash" was used as the backdrop for filming a popular Television Cooking Series coming soon!
https://www.artimpactinternational.org/protect-habitat-save-planet
Celebrations and Folklore of Trinidad, West Indies @ Malden Library
Join Indra for her third solo exhibition, opening April 1st! In person…!!
The paintings reflect her many impressions of growing up in Trinidad and Tobago during the 1950s.
The exhibit is free and open to the public during regular library hours, featuring 19 paintings, 1 postcard and a Glass Showcase.
Digital Exhibition @ Rotunda Gallery TT
My piece ‘The Ship of State’ is now on view with the Rotunda Gallery in my home country of Trinidad & Tobago in their latest show “Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow”
Visible on their Facebook and Instagram pages
Digital Exhibition @ Rotunda Gallery TT
Two of my paintings ‘Moko Jumbie & Jab Molassie’ are now on view with the Rotunda Gallery in my home country of Trinidad & Tobago in their latest show “Carnival: A Celebration of Trinbagonian Identity”
Visible on their Facebook and Instagram pages
Celebrations and Folklore of Trinidad, West Indies @ Beverly Library
Join Indra for her second solo exhibition, opening January 3rd! In person…!! The paintings reflect her many impressions of growing up in Trinidad and Tobago during the 1950s.
The exhibit is free and open to the public during regular library hours, when community meetings or library programs are not in progress.
Digital Exhibition @ Rotunda Gallery TT
My work ‘All Women Steelband and Limbo Dancer on Maracas Beach’ is on view with the Rotunda Gallery in my home country of Trinidad & Tobago in their current show “Rhythmic Vibrations: The Art of Music”
Visible on their Facebook and Instagram pages
Digital Exhibition @ Rotunda Gallery TT
My work ‘Observing Ramadan safely during Covid 19’ is on view with the Rotunda Gallery in my home country of Trinidad & Tobago.
Visible on their Facebook and Instagram pages
Virtual Art Exhibition with Flint Public Library
Festivals and Folklore of Trinidad, West Indies by Indra Persad Milowe
*** click below to view the show ***
Virtual Art Exhibition with Beverly Public Library
Festivals and Folklore of Trinidad, West Indies by Indra Persad Milowe
*** click below to view the show ***
Restaurante Mirador Donde Andres
This painting is framed & hangs above the Bar at this Restaurant. My most memorable experience was the "Sunrise Breakfast with Sofia". A traditional Costa Rican breakfast is served at 5 AM at Restaurante Mirador Donde Andres, Guapinol, 60901 Parrita, Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Everyone dined on the patio watching the sunrise, Sophia, the beloved goat, had not yet arrived, Andres whistled to her and her beautiful white clumps would hop, skip and jump down the garden into the restaurant. I could not help but paint that beautiful memory and gave the painting to Andres and Jania as a gift. This painting was placed on the Expat Facebook Page - Care Esterillos - for local expats to enjoy.
Digital Exhibition @ Jai /pur
East Rising: New Perspectives from Contemporary Women Artists
Featuring 5 new works by Indra in the Jai/pur digital group show.
*** click below to view the show ***
Celebrations and Folklore of Trinidad, West Indies
Join Indra for her first solo exhibition, opening March 9th! The paintings reflect her many impressions of growing up in Trinidad and Tobago during the 1950s.