Latest update November 15th, 2024 1:00 AM
Exhibition showcases 20th century Guyana
The train station in Georgetown.
A pictorial exhibition by Godfrey Chin is on at the Umana Yana, showcasing “Glimpses of Guyana’s Social and Cultural History in the Twentieth Century.”
The exhibition remains open until tomorrow from 09:00 to 18:00 hrs. Admission is free.
Chin said he wanted to share the history of the country so the whole nation can understand “where we came from.” He said a country’s cultural and social evolution is just as important as its economic development.
Chin has been described as a “man for all seasons.” Since 2001 he has documented and preserved his many memories of Guyana with witty sarcasm and self-deprecating humour.
He refers to himself as a ‘regular cook-shop-fly’ – involved in every spectrum of Life in Guyana – and uses these vantage points along with his outstanding athletic career, corporate executive, and the eye of a social scientist to comment on all aspects of Guyanese social life in his Nostalgia Series.
The pictorial exhibition has been influenced by his school days, his life in sports, his influential creative roles in Guyana’s national celebrations such as festivals, Mashramani, Steelband Competitions, and a plethora of fund-raisers.
The exhibition was put on in celebration of the country’s 40th Republic Anniversary celebration. Chin held the ‘Band-of-the-Year’ title for several years in the 1960s and 1970s during Mashramani costume and float parade competitions. Among his winning creations were “Birth of a nation”, “Helen of Troy”, “Guyana Spectacular”, “One for All, All for One” and “The History of Aviation.”
“Helen of Troy,” designed by Chin in 1961, was his first mega production and it was followed by the “Egyptian Broach” costume which was worn by Evadne Gravesande, the first Independence Carnival Queen in 1968.
“Birth of a Nation” was considered the most spectacular as it was highlighted by a mass of glittering colours showcasing the indigenous concept.
Chin said he received the support of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.
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