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“JAB: A look at Trinidad’s Traditional Carnival” opened last week at Popopostudios Gallery.

The mixed media exhibition by artist and filmmaker Maria Govan features photographs and video installation (by Govan and Abigail Hadeed) and paintings.

The work is inspired by Govan’s time spent in Trinidad through a grant from the D’Aguilar Art Foundation. In her artist’s statement, Govan shares her inspiration.

Artist’s statement: “I have always been drawn to those people, places and things that linger in the shadows – all that lies beneath the surface.

“When we think of Trinidad’s Carnival we don’t typically think of devils and imps, dragons and baby dolls, bookmen and sailors – so when given the opportunity by the D’Aguliar Foundation to spend time in Trinidad and look at Carnival, I knew exactly where to focus.

“I had visited Trinidad as a filmmaker over the years and in doing so, built great relationships with the thriving creative community there.

“Abigail Hadeed, a veteran Trinidadian photographer who has been documenting the incredible mythology of traditional Carnival for more than two decades, offered to host my visit.

“It has been such a gift from she, The D’Aguilar Foundation and Popopstudios to share with you some of my inspiration.

“We traveled the terrain of East Port of Spain, the birthplace of the steel pan and Carnival. Both there and in the hills of Paramin, Abigail and I built this body of work.

“With this, we hope to evoke the feeling of this magical, dynamic, raw and intense space–space that we believe to be the true heart and soul of Trinidad’s Carnival! ”

– Maria Govan