Culture Wrapped (St. Kitts & Nevis)
The Dwyer Cultural Center and Diaspora Now Inc. are pleased to announce the upcoming exhibition, titled “Art of Carnival”, which will feature the work of Weldon Ryan, an award-winning Trinidadian artist exploring the cultural expressions of Caribbean Carnival. The exhibition is curated by Anderson M. Pilgrim of Barbados and New York City.
Weldon Ryan, an artist from Trinidad and Tobago, draws inspiration from his homeland’s culture and traditions. For nearly thirty years, he has been painting carnival scenes, depicting the colorful celebration of Caribbean culture. Weldon regularly attends carnival events in cities such as Orlando, Jacksonville, Miami, and Brooklyn to capture the vibrancy and essence of these events with his unique style. He then transforms the images he captures onto canvas, creating masterpieces that showcase the beauty and joy of the carnival. Every year, he exhibits his new paintings during carnivals in these cities, intending to expose the fine art world and the carnival audience to his artful expressions of Caribbean culture.
Weldon’s paintings feature people of all ages and genders, dressed in elaborate costumes or simply enjoying the festivities. His realistic style captures the essence of the carnival and its people, portraying the freedom, sensuality, and unconstrained pleasure of self-expression. “I think carnival is the most special celebration that we as Caribbean people partake in,” Weldon explains. “It’s our way of expressing joy in the face of adversity, showcasing our resilience through music, art, cuisine, economics, and spirituality. I focus on this specific niche uniquely centered on the world of Caribbean Carnival and its practice.”
Amo Galore by Weldon Ryan
Weldon’s art has gained recognition and appreciation from people around the world. His paintings have been featured in various galleries and exhibitions, and he has received numerous awards and accolades for his work. For Weldon, painting is not just a profession but a passion. He hopes his art will inspire and encourage others to embrace their culture with pride and celebrate it.
Anderson Pilgrim is a noted curator and is President of Diaspora Now Inc., an artist management and exhibition production company. He is also the Executive Director of the Caribbean Fine Art Fair Barbados (CaFA), the Caribbean’s only fine art fair held within the region.
The Dwyer Cultural Center (DCC) opened in 2009, is dedicated to supporting Harlem artists and arts organizations throughout New York City and beyond. It is a part of International Communications Association (ICA) a non-profit 501(c)3 and NYS Cultural and Educational organization founded in 1985. Live programming and exhibitions at the Center are presented with independent producers and curators; community groups; and collaborations with other local and regional institutions.
The exhibition opening will coincide with The Harlem Arts Stroll on November 11, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. The Dwyer Cultural Center welcomes the public to meet the curator and artist.
The Dwyer Cultural Center is located at 309 West 123 St. Ruby Dee Place – Harlem New York
Weekly viewing hours are Wednesdays, 6 pm – 8 pm; and Saturdays, 3 pm – 6 pm; and by appointment.
For further information on Diaspora Now visit
Images, provided courtesy of the artist Weldon Ryan, and Diaspora Now /
Culture Wrapped (St. Kitts & Nevis) Amo Galore and PO Smith
About Author
