Local artist to showcase talent in art show ‘Expression’

The Youlou Art Centre is proud to announce the upcoming show of cultural ambassador, and well-known local artist, Dinks Johnson.

Dinks, as he is popularly known, is considered to be the country’s foremost visual artist, and will be showcasing his latest work in a show titled “Expressions”, from Saturday, August 4, through the end of September. 

The public is also invited to an opening reception, which will be held at the Youlou Art Centre on Saturday, August 4, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The self-taught, multi-talented artist, was born in Georgetown, St. Vincent, on April 11,1952 and has been making art from a very early age.

 As a young child, his mother recognized his artistic talent and encouraged and nurtured her son in his artistic skills. She was able to obtain used art supplies for him from Dr. Vivian Child, her employer at the time. 

At school Dinks classmates constantly sought his help in drawing, and at the age of 25 he began painting in oils, with a small paint set, a piece of hardboard and an easel of his own design. 

The young Dink’s artistic ability excelled. His first exposure of displaying his paintings came from Jill Squires, a local artist. She offered him the opportunity to exhibit his work in a show she was having. The reviews were good and he began what would be his long and distinguished painting career. He has admitted to receiving some pointers and encouragement from Nolly McDonald, a trained local artist.

Dinks has lead a varied artistic career, not only did he excel in the visual arts, he also made a name for himself in the performing arts. He was also a famous carnival band leader. While living in Georgetown, he produced the carnival band “Wizards”.  

It has been said, when his band appeared on the carnival scene, it was a marvel! It was known for it’s finesse and neatness.  

His band “ Wizards” won Band of the Year a total of four times, and had the distinct honour of winning this title three years in a row.

 Dinks also had a singing career. He was a member of the band Affetuosos. During his singing career he wrote and arranged songs like “5 Wasted years”, and Can’t let You Go”, songs which became regional hits. They were known to remain number one on the charts for six weeks. 

In his upcoming, one-man show “Expressions”, one can see the power of DInk’s work lies in his ability to render light and shade. As an artist he continues to evolve and in his new series we see him exploring the ‘interplay of light and air.’ His love for his homeland, its scenery, its people and music shines through in all his work, be they portraits, scenes from a boyhood village life or Bequia’s famous boats. His paintings truly embody the cultural expression of the nation.

Dink’s work is known regionally and internationally, having appeared in exhibitions in Barbados, St. Kitts-Nevis, New York and Washington D.C. The most notable showcasing of his work was an exhibition held in Manhattan, featuring North American, South American, African and Caribbean artists. Among some of the well-known persons who purchased his work are the late Princess Margaret of England and Lord Glenconner of Mustique fame.

Dinks said his painting gives him the freedom to express on canvas anything his creative mind can conceptualize. It’s the embodiment of a passion, a commitment to a land and people he has come to love.

The Youlou Art Centre is encouraging the public to come and see his show “Expressions”.