By Bailey Telo, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Art Gallery of Burlington (AGB) is hosting an exhibit featuring the extraordinary art of legendary Trinidadian artist Sybil Atteck, from October 20, 2023, until January 7, 2024. According to the AGB, the exhibit will include various paintings, drawings, and archival materials ranging from the 1930s to 1970s.
This is an exciting time for art enthusiasts in Burlington and beyond, as this rare collection of Atteck’s work will be showcased for the very first time in Canada, thanks to her nephew, Burlington resident Keith Atteck.
“It’s an interesting journey I’ve been on over the last five years,” says Keith. “It was a pandemic project, in a sense. It started in 2018 so this project that I have is really bringing her art, career, and biography back to life so people can see it.”
Sybil was a modern painter who was mostly known for her watercolours in the early days. Throughout her journey as an artist, she constantly had her sketchbook on hand and would bring her ideas to life in the studio. She drew with ink and ink wash, using a Chinese technique, and further expanded her artistic skill set by creating other works using crayons, oil, acrylic, and sculpture. Upon her death in 1975, she had exhibited internationally, honed her skills and style, and created something in the order of 1400 works of art, estimates her nephew.
“Much of her art is an anthropological view of the world that she lived in during that period,” says Keith. Sybil Atteck’s work spanned the era of pre-independence Trinidad and Tobago, through the push for independence, and after it was achieved. “Through her expressionist painting, she brought out the feelings and emotions and the spirits of the people of Korea and Tobago through her art.” he explains.
Sybil inspired the founding of the Trinidad Art Society and used her artistic abilities and knowledge to teach her craft in five different schools and to thousands of students in Trinidad and Tobago. She was also involved with many organizations that supported women’s activities and continued to break down barriers for women. Sybil was commissioned to create a number of murals around Trinidad, some of which can still be seen today, at the Hilton Trinidad, the Fernandes Industrial Complex, and at St. Theresa’s Roman Catholic Church.
Over the years, Keith has made a relentless commitment to honouring his aunt’s legacy, making this exhibition possible. He has unveiled an abundance of previously undiscovered artworks, critiques, catalogs, and photographs, acting as an archivist and investigator — learning many new skills himself along the way. His devotion and hard work has presented priceless new perspectives into the life of Sybil and her artistic journey. The exhibition will include workshops, tours, outreach programs, lectures, and more.
“Her engagement was a significant factor in the advancement of many artists in the region,” Keith describes.
Sybil’s legacy will continue to live on in the world of arts and culture. Her unique story and renowned pieces will be sure to inspire artists for years to come.
Sources:
Funk, R. 2022. Searching for Sybil. Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. Url: https://newsday.co.tt/2022/07/24/searching-for-sybil/ (accessed Oct. 27, 2023).
