As our nation witnessed the unveiling of the newly renovated Red House Parliament building on Friday 24th January, another masterpiece was being uncovered at the National Museum and Art Gallery (NMAG). An exhibition titled “Carnival Long Ago” was formally launched at the Museum. Curated by Ms. Keomi Serrette, herself a familiar face in the world of Pierrot Grenades, the exhibition is a visual presentation of research on the history of Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival through works of art.
The title, “Carnival Long Ago”, was adapted from a calypso by Raphael De Leon a.k.a the ‘Roaring Lion’, and features the works of forty-seven (47) artists and six (6) photographers. The main highlight of "Carnival Long Ago" conveys the impact and historical significance of Trinidad and Tobago's carnival and its elements on visual perceptions. Elements such as Canboulay riots, steelpan, tamboo bamboo, playing mas/masquerading, jouvert, traditional carnival characters/ole mas, limbo, calinda, and calypso are highlighted.
At the launch guests were treated to live portrayals, tutorials and performance sets by seven (7) traditional carnival characters – Midnight Robber, Jab Jab, Dame Lorraine, Fancy Sailor, Fancy Indian, Pierrot Grenade and Black Indian.
Enthusiasts can also look forward to three (3) public lectures on "Traditional Mas", "Steelpan" and "Carnival long ago". The MCDCA and NMAG’s social media pages will provide these respective updates.
The Exhibition runs until Saturday 21st March, 2020, and is open to the public free of charge. The NMAG’s Opening hours are from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM.