Jab Molassie, acrylic on canvas
Library Art Display: Indra Persad Milowe
by Pat Kelly
We are pleased to announce that Salem artist Indra Persad Milowe will be displaying twenty-one of her acrylic paintings at the Lynnfield Public Library through August 31, 2021.
As Indra states on her website https://indrapersadmilowe.com/
“Being newly retired, memories of my childhood bubbled up as I finally had time to daydream. My father’s grandmother, Gangee Maharaj, arrived in Trinidad from Raipur, India in 1900. Many Indians came to Trinidad as indentured laborers eventually earning plots of land from the British. Thus, my great-grandparents received their own land, passing it on to my grandparents, on whose farm I grew up. I remember vividly our two beloved cows, Rani and Raja, meaning Queen and King in Sanskrit. We were often blessed with fresh and nutritious milk.
To become an eligible bride, one requirement was to be able to skillfully puff a paratha! Achieving the perfect architecture and weight of the delicious and well-known flatbread takes practice. Only then, could you have your hand print painted on Grandma’s kitchen wall. This meant that you were allowed to enter her kitchen and prepare a meal under her supervision.
My first painting had to be of this kitchen. As I began planning out the painting, I remembered the smell of freshly made laddoos which were a favorite dessert of ours and of Ganesh! Ganesh is the remover of obstacles, and is always the first deity honored in prayers and ceremonies.
I also remembered the wonderful folklore of Trinidad infused by the many African immigrants. We heard many stories of mythical creatures. Moko Jumbie was invoked to protect the people during the long and arduous slave boat journeys from Africa. The Soucouyant is a vampire, popular in many Caribbean countries. I remember being very scared hearing some of these stories as a young girl!
My paintings are of memories from my childhood, which was steeped with traditional Hindu ceremonies, African folklore, the natural beauty of the islands and the array of cultures of the diverse population.”
Indra’s paintings will be located around the perimeter of the main Reading Room, under the mezzanine by the Genealogy Room, and under the mezzanine by the paperback collection. Please drop in and enjoy her vibrant and evocative artwork! Any questions, please contact Pat Kelly at 781-334-5411.
