VOLUME 2
10
TENTH ANNIVERSARY
PHOTOWALKS
2010 - 2020
Photos from walks held on June 20th and 21st, 2020 Mon Repos Market Seaside Clock-Tower Canal #1 A
P R O D U C T I O N
GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS: Tenth Anniversary Photowalks, Volume 2 is compiled and edited by Fidal Bassier, Taijrani Rampersaud, and Michael C. Lam
Published by VISIONS Publication date: August 5, 2020
A
P R O D U C T I O N
GUYANA PHOTOGRAPHERS’ FACEBOOK GROUP All images are the copyright of the respective photographers. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission from the Publisher or the Photographer(s) whose works are portrayed. No image may be used without the permission of the respective photographer. Cover photograph by Dione Vanderhyden: Each day must end for a new one to begin.
10
TENTH ANNIVERSARY
PHOTOWALKS VOLUME 2 - June 20th-21st, 2020
To commemorate the tenth Anniversary of the Guyana Photographers’ Facebook Group, we decided to hold a series of photowalks around Guyana. Photowalks are excellent because they enable photographers to meet in person, to share and learn from each other in real time, and, of course, to take photographs while participating in group activities. The resulting images usually convey differences in perspectives from photographer to photographer, even though many point their cameras at the same subjects. Furthermore, they serve to demonstrate the abilities of the photographers regardless of the device they use - whether they take pictures with a DSLR camera, a point-and-shoot camera, a mobile device, or some other instrument. This volume of Tenth Anniversary Photowalks contains self-curated images from the photographers who participated during the second weekend. It must be noted that all participants adhered strictly to national guidelines and safety measures regarding COVID-19. The organizers also helped to reinforce safety measures by planning simultaneous walks in different locations which resulted in smaller groups – this allowed for space (in open air) which ensured participants were scattered and social distancing was possible. On this second weekend, four walks were planned and executed. There were three walks on June 20, 2020: Mon Repos Market Walk led by Michael C. Lam, Seaside Walk led by Darrell Carpenay, and the Clock-Tower Walk led by Brian Gomes. On June 21, 2020, Tana Yussuff led the Canal #1 Walk. Following these walks on weekend two, the participants then selected a maximum of ten images from their haul to be published in this magazine. These pictures convey to others the experiences of each photographer on those walks. Even though they are being shared with the public through this publication, kindly remember that images remain the property of the respective photographers and should not be replicated in any form without their consent. We hope you enjoy these artistic insights into the lives of Guyanese and places in Guyana from these four unique locations!
Mon Repos Market Walk with Michael C. Lam
The Mon Repos Market, or if you prefer the correct name, the Mon Repos - La Reconnaisance N.D.C. Market, is situated at Mon Repos Village on the East Coast of Demerara, on the Rupert Craig Highway (at least, I think it is still called that at that point). The market consists of a few “portions.” There is the main building which houses a few hundred stalls (quite a nightmare to navigate during a pandemic). It also has a few stalls on the opposite side (northern) of the highway, several stalls to the east of the approach, and a tarmac going south that houses more stalls. As with many markets, it is a centre of commerce and trade, and also a meeting place. Although people (including the vendors) come from many places, from as far as Georgetown in the west to Mahaica, Mahaicony and Abary to the east, there is a sense of everyone being part of one “village.”
you can hear the sharing of stories between the vendors and buyers. Additionally, the semi-familial of how Guyanese people greet strangers are ever present: “aunty” or “uncle” and “pops” or “mods.” Although there were only two of us on this walk, we both approached it as a “street photography” outing, and concentrated on the people who made this place what it was. It is hard to walk through a market without seeing, identifying, and meeting various “characters.” This kind of environment can easily translate into powerful street photography images that transcend the usual and border on the sublime. We hope you enjoy what amounts to a brief but winding walk through a market in full swing on a Saturday morning - the different perspectives, the diversity of people, and the variety of scenes that we encountered.
Guyana Photographers’ Tenth Anniversary Photowalks VOLUME 2
Through the hustle and bustle of sales and bargains,
2
Vendor, Mon Repos Market, E.C.D. © Darrell A. Carpenay
Mon Repos Market, ECD © Michael C. Lam
Heads a hundred © Michael C. Lam
Mon Repos Market Walk with Michael C. Lam
Distan Singh © Michael C. Lam
Eye Level, Mon Repos Market, E.C.D. © Darrell A. Carpenay
3
Guyana Photographers’ Tenth Anniversary Photowalks VOLUME 2 4
Meat up © Michael C. Lam
The Butcher © Michael C. Lam
Duck Cartel, Mon Repos Market, E.C.D. © Darrell A. Carpenay
This Colour © Michael C. Lam
Mon Repos Market Walk with Michael C. Lam
Long Pig © Michael C. Lam
Street Corner Shoe Sale © Michael C. Lam
5
Guyana Photographers’ Tenth Anniversary Photowalks VOLUME 2
Flaming the Bird © Michael C. Lam
6
Unmasked Look © Michael C. Lam
Local Snacks, Mon Repos Market, E.C.D. © Darrell A. Carpenay
Darrell A. Carpenay and Michael C. Lam
Mon Repos Market Walk Two Images, specially from the leader of the photowalk
Michael C. Lam
Mon Repos Market Walk with Michael C. Lam
Walks of Life © Michael C. Lam
Handoff © Michael C. Lam
7
Seaside Walk with Darrell Carpenay
The Seaside Walk took photographers on an afternoon walk along the seashore and seawall from the Seawall Bandstand to the Kingston Jetty in Georgetown - a popular stretch that’s known and loved by many Guyanese who frequent this area. Historically, this seawall was built to defend the coast against the Atlantic Ocean during the 1800’s, but it has also taken on another important role - providing a place for recreation and social gatherings for a multitude of Guyanese and tourists for generations.
Guyana Photographers’ Tenth Anniversary Photowalks VOLUME 2
The Kingston Jetty and the Seawall Bandstand are connected through a beautiful stretch along the coast which, unfortunately, suffers from neglect and constant abuse by litterbugs. Regardless, Guyanese frequent the area for various reasons: exercise, relaxation, friendly gatherings, religious rituals, fishing, family outings, and romantic rendezvous. Also, it is a perfect location in Georgetown to witness stunning vistas during sunrise and sunset.
8
Today, the bandstand is rarely used for its initial purpose, and, although it was adopted some years ago by the Guyana Police Force, it exists in disrepair.
Along the seawall tarmac, resilient benches proudly brandishing Guyana’s Coat of Arms survive in poor shape, faithfully providing seating for those who want to appreciate a view of the Atlantic Ocean and its vast horizon. Sea shells and smooth stones can sill be found on the beach for those who seek them out, and the jetties protrude into the ocean for anyone who wishes to risk a walk further out into the Atlantic. Children can still be seen playing with the waves as they rush in. People walk their dogs, or simply sit on the wall, enjoy the fresh air, and relax. For the second weekend of Anniversary Photowalks, organising and leading this walk was an easy choice. I believe we have a deep and important relationship with the seawall and the seashore - one that is many t i m e s t a k e n f o r g r a n t e d . F o r t u n a t e l y, a s photographers, we have the capability to record and portray the world in a way that can ignite new appreciation, and even change perspectives. Perhaps the following collection of images produced by the talents on this walk can do just that, and teach us to show a little more love to these remarkable spaces that provide us with so much.
Window of the Past, Seawall Round House, Kingston, Georgetown © Darrell A. Carpenay
Cyclists in the Sand, Kingston Beach, Georgetown © Darrell A. Carpenay
Guyana’s built heritage and cultural landscapes are changing. Regrettably © Guneshwari Preiya Methuram
Seaside Walk with Darrell Carpenay
Past, Present and Future © Acacia Nobrega
the view most pay for is free for others © Dione Vanderhyden
9
Kingston Beach © Acacia Nobrega
We want to be there and they want to be here © Dione Vanderhyden
Guyana Photographers’ Tenth Anniversary Photowalks VOLUME 2
Sailing into Harbour © Acacia Nobrega
Sunsets are nothing but cliches, juxtapose with the promise of tomorrow © Guneshwari Preiya Methuram
10
Life on the shore © Acacia Nobrega
Seascape with ship © Acacia Nobrega
Making a living © Acacia Nobrega
Front Row, Seawall Tarmac, Georgetown © Darrell A. Carpenay
....unwanted catch..useless bait © Dione Vanderhyden
Pelicans in the sea © Acacia Nobrega
Daniel 12:3 © Guneshwari Preiya Methuram
Hinduism and the Environment: A conversation about responsibility and righteousness. © Guneshwari Preiya Methuram
Seascape at Kingston Seaside © Acacia Nobrega
Seaside Walk with Darrell Carpenay
God is everywhere © Dione Vanderhyden
11
Tight lines, warm breezes, good friends, good beer it doesn’t get any better© Tana Yussuff
Chanel © Dione Vanderhyden
Guyana Photographers’ Tenth Anniversary Photowalks VOLUME 2
Sunset at Marriott © Acacia Nobrega
12
Bliss © Tana Yussuff
Stranded rope in the sand© Kenny Harrinaraine
Foot print of our group leader © Dione Vanderhyden
Trash supporting life forms.© Kenny Harrinaraine
Bird watching © Dione Vanderhyden
Seaside Walk with Darrell Carpenay
Discarded fishing net washed up at Kingston © Kenny Harrinaraine
Paradise © Dione Vanderhyden
Conversation, Seawall Tarmac, Georgetown © Darrell A. Carpenay
13
Guyana Photographers’ Tenth Anniversary Photowalks VOLUME 2
The horizon © Dione Vanderhyden
14
Bandstand Sunset © Acacia Nobrega
(L-R) Darrell A. Carpenay, Tana Yussuff, Guneshwari Preiya Methuram, Kenny Harrinaraine, Dione Vanderhyden, Bryan Nobrega, Acacia Nobrega.
Seaside Walk Two Images, specially from the leader of the photowalk
Darrell Carpenay
Seaside Walk with Darrell Carpenay
Atlantic View - Seawall Tarmac, Georgetown © Darrell Carpenay
Human - Kingston Seawall, Georgetown © Darrell Carpenay
15
Clock-Tower Walk with Brian Gomes
Stabroek Market, known to many locals as “Big Market”, is situated on the east bank of the mouth of the Demerara River in Georgetown, the capital city of our beautiful country, Guyana. Under the Dutch rule, Stabroek was the capital of the colony. The market has kept its’ Dutch name. Surprisingly, Stabroek was commissioned to be built while the country was under British rule and it was constructed by an American firm. The market area is a centre of commerce, not only serving as a place of sourcing produce, meat, linens, jewellery, and all manner of goods, but also as a main transportation hub in the city. In the vicinity, there are several minibus parks, car parks, and also a port for ferries and speed-boats to carry people, vehicles, and goods across the Demerara River.
Although I have done model shoots before, it was a great opportunity to get fellow photographers involved, and to see what they would make of the experience. From the market itself - with its many stalls “under the clock,” to the spiral climb within the tower itself, to the myriad views and the vistas seen from within the tower as well as from the top of the tower, it was quite an experience. We hope you enjoy the produce of our work, the images of a more than a century old structure, and the views from the clock-tower.
Guyana Photographers’ Tenth Anniversary Photowalks VOLUME 2
One of the most notable features of the steel structure is the clock-tower. The clock-tower, with an on and off functioning clock, can be seen for quite a distance, making it a notable landmark.
Although regular tours are not arranged, it is possible to enter the clock-tower with permission from City Hall. With this permission in hand we ventured into the market and the clock-tower for a walk as part of the tenth anniversary celebrations for the Guyana Photographers’ Facebook Group.
16
© Brian Gomes
Tower View, Stabroek Tower, Georgetown © Darrell A. Carpenay
A tale of beaten, burnt and damaged shields of war © Guneshwari Preiya Methuram
© Brian Gomes
Clock peep hole © Tana Yussuff
Clock-Tower Walk with Brian Gomes
An ode to the light to end of the tunnel © Guneshwari Preiya Methuram
17
Guyana Photographers’ Tenth Anniversary Photowalks VOLUME 2 18
Hustle and bustle © Adrienne Gomes
Be humble. © Guneshwari Preiya Methuram
'Big market side' © Adrienne Gomes
Umbrella Stores at Stabroek ©Troy AA Parboo
Panorama of Stabroek Square © Troy AA Parboo
Covid-19 Precautions © Tana Yussuff
Clock-Tower Walk with Brian Gomes
Pastry man © Tana Yussuff
Money gaffo mek © Guneshwari Preiya Methuram
Under the Clock © Troy AA Parboo
19
Guyana Photographers’ Tenth Anniversary Photowalks VOLUME 2
Linearity in Stabroek © Adrienne Gomes
20
Bottom of the Bell POV © Troy AA Parboo
Demerara Offloading, Stabroek Tower © Darrell A Carpenay
Sexy Stabroek stairs © Adrienne Gomes
Stairs up To Stabroek Tower © Bianca R Campbell
Picturesque view of the surrounding landmarks around the Stabroek market area © Bryan Nobrega
Old Stairs But Still A Strong Stairs © Bianca R Campbell
St Georges Cathedral & City Hall among other buildings © Kenny Harrinaraine
Hustle and Bustle of the busy Stabroek market area © Bryan Nobrega
An Aerial view from Stabroek to the seawall © Bryan Nobrega
Stabroek Tower Bell © Bianca R Campbell
Parliament Building © Tana Yussuff
Clock-Tower Walk with Brian Gomes
Winding stairs; an unusual type of stairs © Bryan Nobrega
21
Guyana Photographers’ Tenth Anniversary Photowalks VOLUME 2
An Aerial view of the busy Demerara river hard at work © Bryan Nobrega
22
St Georges Cathedral and City Hall among other buildings © Kenny Harrinaraine A speedboat making its way from Georgetown to Vreed-en-hoop © Bryan Nobrega
The view from the Stabroek clock tower looking west wards. © Kenny Harrinaraine
Parliament from Stabroek Tower ©Bianca R Campbell
The Stabroek Bell © Bryan Nobrega
A Landscape of The Parliament Building from above © Bryan Nobrega
A layout of the Georgetown skyline © Bryan Nobrega
Clock-Tower Walk with Brian Gomes
Demico to Durban park © Bryan Nobrega
City Hall from Stabroek Tower © Bianca R Campbell
The river and red © Adrienne Gomes
23
Guyana Photographers’ Tenth Anniversary Photowalks VOLUME 2
© Brian Gomes
24
Capturing fatherhood © Adrienne Gomes
© Brian Gomes
The loner cloud © Adrienne Gomes
Circular Stair Case of Stabroek ©Troy AA Parboo
© Brian Gomes
(L-R) Standing : Acacia Nobrega, Bryan Nobrega, Bianca Campbell, Kenny Harrinaraine, Tana Yussu, Adrienne Gomes Kneeling: Darrell A. Carpenay, Guneshwari Preiya Methuram, Brian Gomes
Clock-Tower Walk with Brian Gomes
Š Brian Gomes
25
Clock-Tower Walk Two Images, specially from the leader of the photowalk
Guyana Photographers’ Tenth Anniversary Photowalks VOLUME 2
Brian Gomes
© Brian Gomes
© Brian Gomes
26
Canal #1 Walk with Tana Yussuff
The Canal #1 Conservancy Dam can be found about seven miles from the Bagotville Junction on the West Bank of Demerara. The Conservancy Dam is the last stop as you drive along the Canal #1 road. The participants arrived at the Dam at around 2:30pm and walked North along the Conservancy Dam. Little houses with their unique character line the right side of the dam. Although these houses along the dam had no electricity from the main grid, many had small solar panels on their roof and in their yards. Since the residents depend on the water from the conservancy for their daily activities, pipelines can be seen running from each house to the conservancy.
At the time of the photowalk there were many little stands along the road side selling pineapples and other fruits and vegetables; and some households were seen packing up tractors and trucks with pineapples to be transported to the markets.
Canal #1 Walk with Tana Yussuff
During the walk, the participants were greeted with friendly faces. Many children and youths were seen playing, swimming, and sitting along the dam -
enjoying the cool afternoon breeze. One of the residents invited us to visit her pineapple farm to take some pictures of the crop and wild owers. While chatting with her, she shared with the group a ripe pineapple from her farm and some fun facts about the way of life in Canal #1. She mentioned that many of the residents are farmers and that Canal #1 is the home of pineapples, jackfruit, and ground provisions. She also mentioned that pineapples are the preferred crop for this area because during the rainy season the land would be easily ooded; however, the pineapple plant can withstand water accumulation for about one week.
Resident Š Fidal Bassier
27
Guyana Photographers’ Tenth Anniversary Photowalks VOLUME 2
Dragonfiles © Fidal Bassier
28
White wing swallow © Tana Yussuff
Canal #1 © Troy AA Parboo
Cabbage palm tree by the Canal © Bianca R Campbell
The Girl & The Pup © Troy AA Parboo
Canal #1 Walk with Tana Yussuff
Blue skies & calm waters © Tana Yussuff
Boat ride © Fidal Bassier
29
Guyana Photographers’ Tenth Anniversary Photowalks VOLUME 2
Heliconia Golden Torch © Troy AA Parboo
30
Lonely Tree By the Canal © Bianca R Campbell
What’s in a name? © Guneshwari Preiya Methuram
Canal #1 Walk with Tana Yussuff
Afternoon washdown © Fidal Bassier
Boats at canal number one © Kenny Harrinaraine
The Canal's Swallow © Troy AA Parboo
31
Guyana Photographers’ Tenth Anniversary Photowalks VOLUME 2
The in between © Troy AA Parboo
32
Boat © Fidal Bassier
House By the Canal © Bianca R Campbell
Cottage © Fidal Bassier
Resident 2 © Fidal Bassier
A place to rest my head and call home © Guneshwari Preiya Methuram
Canal #1 Walk with Tana Yussuff
Riding on clouds © Fidal Bassier
Boys & bikes © Tana Yussuff
Afternoon meetings © Tana Yussuff
33
Guyana Photographers’ Tenth Anniversary Photowalks VOLUME 2
Parked Boat on the Canal © Bianca R Campbell
34
Life in the Country © Bianca R Campbell
Liming © Fidal Bassier
Canal #1 and Canal #2 both stretch from the Demerara River to the West Demerara Conservancy. Vibrant communities, comprising mostly farmers and rural housing, have flourished along these areas for many years. The older styled, wooden houses, which are dominant in the area, lend to a definite country-side feeling. The people tend to be very friendly, and a late afternoon trip to the ends of the Canals, at the edge of the Conservancy itself, can often avail you of a beautiful inland sunset.
(L-R) Standing : Kenny Harrinaraine, Fidal Bassier, Bianca Campbell, Darrell Carpenay, Tana Yussuff, Guneshwari Preiya Methuram Kneeling: Troy AA Parboo
Canal #1 Walk with Tana Yussuff
Joy ride © Fidal Bassier
35
Canal #1 Walk Two Images, specially from the leader of the photowalk
Guyana Photographers’ Tenth Anniversary Photowalks VOLUME 2
Tana Yussuff
36
Laundry Day © Tana Yussuff
Lonely Bench © Tana Yussuff
Our Walk Leaders Michael C. Lam Michael C. Lam is a Guyanese photographer. His influences include the work of Ansel Adams, Hiroshi Sugimoto, and Darren Moore. The majority of his work tends to be high contrast black and white photographs, with a penchant for seascapes as evident in his Oniabo collection. In 2012, he co-exhibited with fellow photographer Nikhil Ramkarran in “Coastal Wanderings” at the National Gallery of Art, Castellani House. He was the Bronze medallist in the 2012 and 2017 Guyana Visual Arts Competition and Exhibition, short-listed in 2014. In 2014, he was the Chief judge for “Capture Guyana” photography competition. His work has been exhibited at Aljira, Newark, NJ; the Caribbean Cultural Centre African Diaspora Institute (CCCADI), New York; the Queens Central Library, New York; the Organisation of American States’ Twenty Fourth Inter-American Congress of Ministers & High-Level Authorities of Tourism (2018), Guyana Marriott Hotel. In 2016, he exhibited in VISIONS Exhibition 2016 and later helped to organise subsequent installments of the said exhibition.
Darrell Carpenay Darrell Carpenay is a part-time amateur photographer. He has lived most of my life in Georgetown, and began taking photography seriously in 2017. For the most part, his photos include street-photography, landscapes, and anything in between that captures his eye. His work was part of the VISIONS 2018 Exhibition.
Brian Gomes Brian Gomes is a Guyanese photographer. For many years, photography had been a hobby/side hustle for Brian. However, after losing his job in 2017, he made a decision to turn photography into his career, focusing on wedding photography/video. Over the years, he has ventured into many different genres of photography but is widely known for his work with nude art photography and the popular Made in Guyana nude calendar.
Tana Yussuff Tana Yussuff is an environmentalist by profession and has been lucky to travel to many remote parts of Guyana where her passion for photography developed. During her expeditions into the interior, she would use her camera phone to capture all of nature’s beauty. Her photographic eye has since grown to encompass Guyanese culture and environment while still taking pictures of the nature. She believes that we take pictures to record our personal view of the world.
Walk Leaders Biographies
Brian's work has been exhibited in the Organisation of American States (OAS) Indigenous Perspectives, twice in the Guyana Visual Arts Competition & Exhibition, Capture Guyana Photography Competition, and Visions Exhibition.
Tana has been an active member of Guyana Photographers’ Facebook Group for about one year now. 37
10 TENTH ANNIVERSARY
PHOTOWALKS VOLUME 2 - June 20th-21st, 2020
A
P R O D U C T I O N