From September 7 to 18, Horizons Art Gallery, located at 37 Mucurapo Road, St James will welcome to its space an exciting joint exhibition by artists Robyn Knaggs and Elizabeth Xavier. The Buyers' takes place September 7 from 7 – 8.30 p.m. and gallery hours are from 9 a.m. – 5.30 p.m, Mondays to Fridays and 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Saturdays.

Persons viewing this exhibition are sure to be amazed at the vibrancy of colour and astounding detail which both artists have put into their paintings. Local subjects and scenery abound, such as Knaggs' "Protected Sancutary" and "A Dash of Red" and Xavier's "Bloody Bay, Tobago" and "Yellow Poui".

Robyn Knaggs has been a professional artist for more than five years. She grew up in Trinidad and was motivated by her parents and teachers to pursue her interest in Art. In 1999 she was awarded the CXC Visual Arts Award for most outstanding piece of artwork in the Caribbean. Knaggs graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Honours at Queen's University, Ontario, Canada in 2005. Since then she has held solo and joint exhibitions both in Canada and Trinidad. She works primarily in oils because of its versatility and permanence.

She has been commissioned by various private collectors and businesses including BP, Citigroup and Republic Bank. Her work is featured on the airbridges at Piarco International Airport, in calendars and numerous greeting cards.

Knaggs has also taught high school art at The International School of Port of Spain and holds a Master's in Education degree. She currently teaches Form 4 Art and Design, Cambridge IGCSE Art and Design and Cambridge International A-Level Art and Design at the British Academy of Port of Spain.

Artist's statement – Robyn Knaggs

"Drawing and painting have been a constant in my life since early childhood. My paintings reflect a long-standing interest in local nature and the influence of light and atmospheric effects upon them. I use nature as a vehicle for the expressive use of colour. Colour defines forms and also creates a mood unique to each piece. My goal is to create something that is direct and accessible, that stands on its own without verbal explanation."

Elizabeth Xavier was born on the August 24 1978. She has always had the natural talent to reproduce whatever captures her interest.

Her artistic flair began to develop at Providence Girls Catholic School where she was awarded annually and also received a grade 1 at the CXC examination level. Soon after she was accepted into St Joseph's Convent, Port of Spain to sit her A-Levels. It was there she discovered her passion for painting. During that time, both teacher Sheila Edwards and local artist Patrick Chu Foon, recognised her talent, offered inspiration and encouraged her to pursue her gift.

At age 18, Xavier contributed to a mural of St Francis of Assisi designed and painted by Pat Chu Foon. She then completed a fundamental art programme and did one year of illustration at the Sheridan Art College, Oakville, Canada. In 2001 while still in school, Xavier sold her first painting. Since then, she has continued selling her paintings privately.  

Xavier has been particularly drawn to the works of local artists, Cazabon, Larry Mosca and Joanna Humphrey-Aldred. She also had the privilege of working for Humphrey-Aldred at

Jada Ltd, painting on ceramic tiles.

In 2008, Xavier participated in a group exhibition with artists Joanne Boopsingh and Sandra Dopson. In April 2010 she volunteered her time to teach some of her painting techniques to the children of St Andrew sschool.  The children's pieces were featured in an annual art exibition held at the school in June of the same year.

Xavier has developed her own stylised realism, which is easily distinguished by her detailed use of vibrant colours. Although her favourite medium is acrylic on canvas she also enjoys working with her hands and has experimented with charcoal, sculpture, mosaic, batik and ceramics. Her paintings are focused on the beauty of Mother Nature and the simpler ways of life in T&T. She is also drawn to different forms of water, which presents itself as a recurring theme in many of her works. 

As an artist, Xavier feels compelled to give back something to humanity. Inspired by the natural beauty of creation, she believes that humanity could learn a great deal from nature and hopes that through her paintings she can bring forth a deeper awareness and appreciation for the supreme artist. She is humbly grateful to be blessed with a talent that allows her to create a representation of his greatest works. She also hopes that she would instil a sense of national pride for the beauty of her beloved country Trinidad and Tobago.

For further information, the gallery can be contacted at 628-9769 or via email at info@horizonsartgallery.com