The paintings of artist Fielding Babb aptly capture the legacy of Barbados??? architectural heritage from the Chattel House to the Great House.
So said Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, Stephen Lashley, at the opening of this year???s National Heritage Month Exhibition entitled: Our Architectural Heritage: a Retrospective of the Work by Fielding Babb.
The opening ceremony was held last Friday at the Errol Barrow Centre for Creative Imagination (EBCCI), University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill Campus.
Mr. Lashley said the artist was ???much more than a painter???, and described Mr. Babb as a ???visual historian???.
As a result, he emphasised that ???Barbados owes Fielding Babb a debt of gratitude???.
???Through your art, we have certainly witnessed the changes which have taken place in the architectural landscape of Barbados over time. It documents our history, our culture and our heritage. There are places in Barbados that are only known through your paintings, because there are no more???places such as Emmerton,??? he pointed out.
He continued: ???There are many Bajan scenes portrayed in Fielding Babb???s work, the landscapes and those which have given us a glimpse of village life past.???
The Minister explained it was for this reason that the Ministry of Culture decided to feature the work of Fielding Babb in the 2014 National Heritage Month Exhibition.??
???His work literally brings it all together as we focus on and celebrate the various elements of our cultural heritage,??? he surmised.
Mr. Lashley added that although the artist encountered challenges during his 50-year career, Mr. Babb was a mentor and role model to many youngsters who had chosen the arts.
Mr. Babb thanked the organisers for featuring his work and encouraged the Ministry of Culture to host a group show for the 2015 Heritage Month Exhibition. ???It should feature a mix of old and new artists,??? he suggested.
The veteran also paid tribute to the late Barbadian sculptor, Bill Grace, stating he hoped that ???Bill???s legacy would be carried on for generations???.
This year???s exhibition will also include a documentary on the life and times of the artist entitled: These Fields and Hills. It will run until Saturday, July 12, and will be open daily from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the EBCCI, UWI, Cave Hill Campus.
shamkoe.pile@barbados.gov.bb