Last updated on Sunday, October 6, 2024 16:15 by Writer
Mr. Stanley Greaves
Respected and renowned multi-talented Guyanese artist Stanley Greaves said on Sunday that he has canceled plans to hold an exhibition of his work at the National Gallery (Castellani House) due to a request not made by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports. Ta. Approved due to Charles Lamson’s actions.
“My decision is to refuse to support Mr. Lamson’s dictatorial removal of Mr. Ohene from his official position as curator of exhibitions and his recent abusive conduct against Mr. (Ivor) Thom, head of the Burroughs School of Art. Therefore, we have decided not to hold the exhibition.” .
Mr Lamson did not respond to phone calls or WhatsApp messages.
Contributed to Sunday’s Stabroek NewsGreaves said what artists do is approach curators. “I followed established procedures and contacted the curator, Mr. Ohene Koama. Lo and behold, Culture Minister Lamson approached me and told me that the catalog would not be printed and no refreshments would be provided,” he said. said.
Opposition leader Aubrey Norton, leader of the People’s Congress for Reform, addressed the issue, saying Mr Lamson was not suitable for a cabinet post. “I don’t think Lamson understands anything about culture. If you look at the way he does it, he’s limited to setting grounds and shaking hands…There’s no vision. He understands culture… They don’t understand and they’re at sea when it comes to young people,” Norton said.
Looking back at curatorial appointments and duties, Mr Greaves said that Everly Austin was first appointed to the position in 1975 by the then Director of Fine Arts Dennis Williams, followed by Elfrieda Bisember, both of whom had art training. He said he had received.
Unlike Dr. Williams, who as head of art was aware of his responsibilities and never intervened in the day-to-day management of the Castellani House, as did all cabinet ministers since Martin Carter, Mr. Lamson said: “It has usurped the role of curator.”
Mr Greaves said he had been planning an exhibition at Castellani House Art Gallery based on items from the National Collection to mark his 90th birthday. He said he was “stunned into silence” and took the position that he would not do such a thing. “My response was that I would not do that for any reason,” he said.
“He obviously doesn’t have the artistic background to do something like that, and he just sees his (minister’s) position as an opportunity to abuse his power, ordering the store to have no catalogs or snacks when it opens.” “It’s like a restaurant without a menu,” Williams said. Greaves explained that catalogs are important historical records that provide data about artists and their work.
He said artists planning to hold exhibitions have two options: ask Lamson for permission or ask Koama to reinstate his curatorship.
After Deputy President Bharat Jagdeo intervened to save face for the People’s Progressive Party Citizens Party (PPPC) government, which resulted in Tom resuming work at the Burrows School of Art, Greaves said that Ramson had no courage. Dignity is also lacking (and missing), he said. And the decency to apologize to Tom. Mr Greaves said: “He is a poor representative of this government and should resign to avoid further embarrassment.”
Mr Greaves said he hoped future culture ministers would act like past ministers and “put Mr Lamson’s inexcusable and inexcusable behavior, which is unbecoming of a minister, in its place”.
He suggested that the new Minister immediately reinstate Mr. Coama as Exhibition Curator and re-establish the Castellani House Committee, which has so far been very cooperative at all levels related to the management of Castellani House. He said past members have included government representatives, lawyers, the business community, artists, writers and the head of the Burroughs School of Art.
Norton said curators should be allowed to carry out their duties professionally.
