From Imagination to Exhibition
BY ANGELINE AZEEZ
My Creative Journey to Art Society of Trinidad and Tobago
Carnival—the greatest show on Earth. A living, breathing expression of our soul as a people. When I saw the call for submissions for “Pulse of the People”, the 2025 Carnival Exhibition hosted by the Art Society of Trinidad and Tobago, I felt an instant pull. I wanted to be a part of this spectacular event. No expectations, just heart. I sent in my piece because I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself.
Let’s be honest, we often get swept up in the glitter, the rhythm, the absolute chaos that is Carnival. And while we’re dancing through the streets and losing our voices to soca, it’s easy to forget that each masquerader, each act, each moment carries its own story. That’s what drew me in. That’s what inspired me to create.
This was only my second exhibition. My first was a group show at Arnim’s Art Galleria in San Fernando, and even that still feels surreal. But this? This was a dream. So, I did what every nervous, hopeful artist does—I took a leap of faith, pressed “send” on my submission, and braced myself. What’s the worst that could happen? A “no”? I could live with that.
Then the email came.
“Congratulations!”
I didn’t even finish reading the rest of it. I screamed, jumped off my chair, then straight up into the air. I could hardly believe my eyes. The moment I’ve dreamed of since I was a little girl… was finally real.
I instantly flashed back to primary school, to the day I saw my colouring page hung up on the staffroom wall. That was the first time I felt the spark. I think that was the moment that quietly whispered, This is who you are. This is what you’re meant to do. I remember it so vividly. Then came high school. I walked into a gallery for the first time and said to myself, one day, my piece will hang on these walls too. I said it like I believed it. And now—bam! Full circle. I’m officially a member of The Art Society of Trinidad and Tobago.
The exhibition was held on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, and we had the absolute joy of attending the opening night. Walking into the Art Society of Trinidad and Tobago’s
gallery felt like coming home. Like this was where I was always meant to be. There were over 41 artists displaying their works—everything from photography to mixed media, acrylic paintings, and sculpture. It was chef’s kiss seeing so many creatives pour their hearts into their work, and I loved hearing about the inspiration and stories behind each piece.
Then there was mine.
I was the only digital artist in the room. My piece wasn’t hung on the wall—it stood on its own, right in the middle of the gallery, on a little stand. At first, I felt a bit like an outcast. Like, am I even supposed to be here? But then I took a breath and thought: This is perfect. I’m not out of place—I’m making space. I’m helping bring digital art to the forefront. It’s so often overlooked, but it’s the future—and the future is now. Digital art is still art. It still carries emotion, passion, and meaning.
The piece I submitted is called “Touchdown”. It captures moko jumbies and masqueraders in the heart of Port of Spain, completely immersed in joy and rhythm—having the time of their lives. That’s the beauty of Carnival. It’s not just about the spectacle; it’s about the heartbeat of our people.
One of my favourite moments was seeing the expressions on people’s faces as they looked at my piece. I always wonder… What are they thinking? What are they feeling? That connection between artist and viewer—it’s everything. My family and friends came to show their support, and the whole atmosphere was bubbling with love and laughter. Some people were seated outside chatting and sipping, while others explored the art inside.
There was corn soup and drinks flowing—people sipping wine, admiring art, and just vibing. What could be better than that?
And I can’t forget to mention, during the Carnival season, I attended the Moko Sõmõkow band launch. Being surrounded by those towering moko jumbies and the energy of that night left a mark on me. That spirit definitely made its way into Touchdown. The elegance, the history, the magic which perfectly describes my piece.
This entire experience reminded me that the little girl with the crayons wasn’t just dreaming—she was planting the seeds for the life I’m living now.