Guyanese body paint artist Steve Douglas CEO of Bravo Arts has found a new crop of fans in Barbados.
This conclusion follows a most memorable presentation of live painting depiction of Guyana as an emerging Green state with a forest canopy growing out of a massive Golden Arrowhead on the bodies of two male models performing as his canvas.
Bravo Arts body painting began more than eight years ago by a youth who decided to not just dream but to bring them to life. Since then there has been no turning back as he aims to one day land it big in Hollywood by promoting the Caribbean as the all-encompassing place to be alive and thrive.
The Guyanese prior to the finale spoke to the Caribbean is replete with stories of Mythical characters such as the mermaid, the Bacoo and the Ole Haigue.
Making the first appearance on stage was the Natural extractive resources queen. That costume and painted model were a depiction of the extractive industries of Gold, Diamond and Bauxite with the theme of the recent discovery of oil off of the Stabroek block. She represented the many natural resources that can lead to a rich and prosperous nation.
The Backoo with a life like foolish presence created by the artist depicted an old woman who turns into a ball of fire and sucks the blood of babies. That work of art was most celebrated as was the Jaguar: Promoting Guyana as the emerging Green state and as the lungs of the world with vast forests.
Like the lion is king of the jungle the king of the Guyana forest was presented as one who helps to keep order and a balance in the eco system, as mostly a nocturnal creature that hunts but is mostly peaceful but could become very territorial and aggressive if attacked or if he feels threatened.
Mythical yet again was the mermaid with her life like body art of scales and a mirror often spoken of as offering riches through the acquiring of her comb and death also.
The pre finale was a depiction of a Forest Mother who ensures food for all and further offers a home to the best of the world’s flora and fauna. This the artist said was most important as “Without her, the world would have no lungs to remove carbon emissions that would be harmful to humanity.” The hour or so that followed was one that kept most of the audience glued to their seats to see a most celebrated end product of Guyana as an emerging green state.
(Article and photo from The Ministry of Education, Department of Culture, Youth & Sport)