Through the strokes of his paintbrush, Warao artist Shaman Rauold Simon of San Fernando is bringing the history, spirituality and cultural identity of his people to life, while highlighting their resilience and hopes for future generations.
These themes take centre stage in his first official solo exhibition, ‘The Next Generation’, held in celebration of Indigenous Peoples Month at Horizons Framing & Decor, South, in Twin Walls, Gulf View, from October 17 to November 11.
During an interview, Simon explained that his paintings explore spirituality and dimensions of existence beyond the physical world.
“The artwork is more or less a spiritual play; most of them tell you about the universe that we don’t see, the inner universe. That is my expression of the inner universe; it’s stories of reality”.
He said many of his abstract pieces feature shadow-like figures representing spiritual experiences and another dimension of existence.
“If you notice, the people in the art are shadow people; that is a reality that they don’t explain to you, when you exit the body, you go into that realm where you become a shadow. It’s a spiritual and mystical part of existence that they don’t teach you”.
Reclaiming indigenous identity
For Simon, Indigenous Peoples Month provides an opportunity for the Warao community to reclaim recognition and visibility.
“It is something that was put on the side, that we don’t exist, so we are now creating that space to show that we are here, and we’ll always be here.
He believes greater respect and acceptance are needed for Indigenous people.
“Yes, a lot more has to be done; more respect for us. We are the original people of this land. And honour and acceptance, as I say, we were here, we’re here now, and we’ll always be here.
Finding inspiration in nature
Nature is another major source of inspiration for Simon, who visits forests, rivers and waterfalls before transferring his experiences to canvas.
“Normally, before I draw, I go to the forest, by the river, and what comes to me there is what I come home and put on the canvas. I will visit Grand Couva and Blanchisseuse.”
Visitors viewed and purchased works including ‘The Journey’, ‘The Ritual on the Hill’, ‘Moonlight and Twilight’, ‘The Jaguar’, ‘The Young Warrior and the River’ and ‘Out of a Dream’.
Creating space for indigenous artists
Sharon Burford of Horizons Framing & Decor, South Gallery, said the exhibition provided an opportunity to showcase Indigenous artistic expression.
She described Simon’s work as deeply spiritual, noting that its simplicity reveals deeper meanings the longer viewers engage with the paintings.
Burford said the gallery also hoped to restore recognition to Indigenous culture and provide a platform for South-based artists who often have to travel to Port of Spain to exhibit their work.
Through ‘The Next Generation’, Simon’s paintings celebrate the enduring presence, spirituality and cultural heritage of the Warao people, reminding viewers that their story remains an important part of Trinidad and Tobago’s history and future.
