The art scene in Belize, regardless of its slow progression, has started to take on a broader role in the culture and society of the people. While art itself has seen little strides and advancements, another very important achievement in the general realm of art, is women in art and their presence on the scene and more frequent collaborations and benefactions.
Like in most patriarchal civilizations throughout history, women and their role have been considered inferior and given little to no glory or appreciation. Not only were women not given the credit they were due, often they were even deprived of the opportunity to contribute anything toward the functionality of the economy and all its facets. Their ability to provide and to think were suppressed beyond words. They were seen only as caregivers, mothers, and wives; they were seen, as so much less than their full potential. Even in recent history, some of the greatest scientific breakthroughs, such as the discovery of the structure of DNA, were pushed along by brilliant ladies who received little to no recognition for their work.
Luckily for us women of the 21st Century, there have been some progressive speakers, activists, and thinkers in our corner that have fought to eliminate the subtle and not so subtle portrayals of sexism. Subsequently, women have come out from the shadows that hid them and proved to everyone, and even to themselves, that their contributions are vital; their contributions are far more than just providing for a husband and children, more than cooking and cleaning, and definitely worth more than quiet submission.
Some of the greatest cultural assets to any society are developed as a result of the propagation of science, philosophy, religion, and, you guessed it, art! Art becomes intertwined with the people and their daily activities, even if we are unaware of it. Consider ancient civilizations and people: The Romans, Greeks, Aztecs, Egyptians, and so many others; they were submerged in their art, it was a part of who they were. It is, also, a part of what historians use to gain a better understanding of ancient nations.
Are the Belizean people any different? Absolutely not! Although, Belizean society has yet to fully embrace homegrown art. Its edginess, social justice driven themes, and counterculture genres are not yet viewed as a part of regional popular culture. But there is a large enough population, in my opinion, to contribute to a steady stream of artists, art enthusiasts, and art appreciators. Certainly, there is a growing population that has come to regard the quintessential Jaguars, Toucans, Turtles and Orchids that is the bread and butter of tourism driven art as rather cliché and manufactured.
One subgroup of the larger “artists” that seems to grow year by year and day by day is the capable, apt, and more than efficient team of women that are taking creativity by the horns. Just very recently, I attended an art exhibition and was pleased to be exposed to women and girls that have made profound efforts in the activism toward Women in Art. I am even more pleased that they’ll be having their own creative time and exhibit very soon.
These women, some I know, come from very diverse cultural and historical backgrounds and their ages span across many decades. It is so inspiring to see them work together. It is even more so to see them persevere against all odds, from not receiving financial aid, not having the support of their family, not conforming to the typical, inexplicit art, not feeling that they themselves are good enough, to being women. These women have to work twice as hard as men to receive half the recognition and appreciation. While women in today’s era are receiving more respect and almost-equal opportunities, we still have a long way to go.
The women in this generation, even those that do not put paint to canvas, have made some very important achievements to the Work of the Woman. Their contributions are like no other. They have forever changed the way the world functions and I can only work hard and hope that it gets better. We have come a long way and worked tirelessly to achieve what we have, but there is more to be had.
Picture Belize after it is painted on the world map by a woman, sung a beautiful song to, written its first Broadway play, acted in Hollywood, and all other great achievements. Belize can be projected on the world stage, and it can very well be done, probably even by one of these Women in Art.
