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BELMOPAN, Belize -- The Embassy of Mexico is presenting three art exhibitions in Belize as a tribute to the renowned Belizean artist, Benjamin Nicholas, in a unique collaboration with Atlantic Bank and the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH). The exhibitions titled “Story Colour Life, honouring Benjamin Nicholas” feature more than 25 works by the celebrated Belizean painter who died on April 9, 2012 in his hometown Dangriga.

Nicholas represents the pinnacle of Garifuna and Belizean art. Born on August 6, 1930, Benjamin Nicholas studied art at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design in the US. On his return to Belize, he settled in Dangriga and painted to the time of his death. He has been recognized internationally and was made a Member of the British Empire (MBE).

According to the Belizean artist Yasser Musa, “With his images Benjamin Nicholas inspired Belizeans to appreciate, respect and recognize the rural life as a potent aspect of the growing nation. He boldly narrated with his brush the many aspects of Garifuna culture. His art works hang on the walls of ordinary people, art collectors, in museums around the world and in the halls of power of many nations including Cuba, South Africa, Venezuela, and Canada”.

During his 50 years artistic career, Nicholas was also an inspiration to other prominent Belizean artists.

The collection that will be presented includes art works belonging to the private collections of the Mexican Embassy, the Belize Bank and NICH.

The first exhibition will take place at the Sacred Heart Church in Dangringa, on Friday, August 3, at 6:30 pm. This exhibition is organized also with the support of the Mayor of Dangriga, Gilbert Swazo, Father Dominic McDonagh of the Sacred Heart Parish of Dangriga, and the Nicholas family. Currently the Sacred Heart Parish houses two murals by Benjamin Nicholas and different paintings depicting the Stations of the Cross and the Passion of the Christ.

The second exhibition will be hosted the Embassy of Mexico in Belmopan on Tuesday, August 7, at 6:30 pm.

The third exhibition will take place at the Institute of Mexico in Belize City. It will be inaugurated on Thursday, August 9 at 6:30 pm, and will remain open until August 15.

The public is invited to participate in any of the three exhibitions. The entrance is free and open to the general public. Schools are encouraged to organize excursions to visit the exhibition at the Institute of Mexico.

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