2002

ISAIAH   JAMES   BOODHOO

DATE OF BIRTH: 1932
PLACE OF BIRTH: Sangre Grande, Trinidad
EDUCATION:
  • Naparima Training College
  • Brighton College of Art, England
  • Central Washington University, Washington, USA
  • Indiana University, Indiana, USA
  • CAREER:                                 Boodhoo was influenced by artist M.P. Alladin and, working with oils, Boodhoo began displaying his work in 1953. After receiving a Trinidad Government scholarship in 1958, he left Trinidad to study art at Brighton College, England, where he earned a diploma in design. He returned home in 1962 to teach, but left for the USA in 1968 to further his studies at Central Washington University and Indiana University, where he was introduced to abstract expressionism. It was here that he encountered the disillusionment of the Vietnam War which would be featured in his later works. During his time in Trinidad, Boodhoo developed the idea of using his art for social and political commentary. His first art exhibition was held in 1970 at the National Gallery in Port of Spain and featured the turmoil of the people living in the country at the time and national independence. The exhibition took place during the Black Power movement struggle which was regarded as a bold move during a time of social unrest in the nation. He was appointed curriculum supervisor in the Trinidad & Tobago Ministry of Education in 1974 and, between 1978 and 1996, was responsible for art education throughout the Caribbean while serving on the Caribbean Examinations Council. He represented Trinidad & Tobago at three Sao Paolo, Brazil, Bienials and participated in exhibitions in Canada (Montreal), England (London), and USA (Washington, DC). He also wrote the book "Between Two Seasons" in 1994. Of East Indian heritage, Boodhoo's works captured in his two series 'Arrival' and 'Caroni,' respectively, the conditions of: (1) indentured workers who came to Trinidad from India in the 19th century; and (2) Indian sugar workers in contemporary society. In time, his subject matter changed and his later paintings were inspired by the sugar industry of Caroni Ltd, where he used the sugar cane fields and its cutters as the basis for his series called "Caroni." His last works focused on the symbols of Hinduism. Boodhoo was a member of the Art Society of Trinidad and Tobago and held 11 solo exhibitions including the following:
    • 1970 - National Gallery, Port-of-Spain
    • 1982 - (Theme: 'Poems by Derek Walcott')
    • 1992 - (Theme: 'Caroni')
    • 2002
    AWARD:
    • 1993 - Trinidad & Tobago Humming Bird Medal Gold (for Culture)
    DIED: February 28, 2004, in Trinidad from kidney failure
    Compiled by Ronald C. Emrit