The presentation of the work presented to you this evening is a rare phenomenon. Even in developed countries it is rare, and most often happens after the passing of an artist. To see over 30 years of an artists work presented in the village where he grew and lives, in itself is quite an accomplishment.
I first knew Oliver Benoit as an artist in the early 1990's. I had moved back from Dominica, and he had moved back from the UK. Our central buzz at that time for contemporary art was the Art Grenada Gallery, operated by retired Canadian, Richard Buchanan.
Oliver had not yet determined what his trajectory for art would be, but in short order we began to exhibit together. The common denominator was the intense color and texture of the work. My paintings were a more impressionistic driven narrative of the land and life of Grenada, and his leaned toward abstraction. It wasn't long before he firmly committed to abstraction to express his ideas about sociology, politics, social issues, and the complicated lives we live in the Caribbean, deceptively dressed in what may be perceived to cheery colors.
Undeterred in his practice, he participated in local, regional, and international exhibitions. Over the years his technique may have become more refined, his palette less intuitive and more studied, but essentially his message is the same. He doesn't give up his meaning easily. The viewer has to look, to reflect, to look again, and find some way into the illusive meaning Benoit is presenting. Since the early days when asked, "What does it mean?' His response has been the same, "What does it mean to you?'
When Richard Buchanan described Oliver's work he would say, "he obfuscates". In other words, he used the layers of think paint and color to hide an essential message. Only those willing to do the work of looking would win the prize of understanding.
Congratulations to Oliver. He has made a mark for himself and for Grenada. May others follow in his train. It can be done.