First Published: 22nd of August, 2021 by Patrick Carpen.
Last updated: April 23, 2023 at 20:05 pm
Guyana is a powerhouse of talent, and in this article, we’re going to highlight one who is off to an early start. Meet Kuwanau Roberts, the six-year-old who does wonders with a brush and a canvas.
Editor’s Note: We’re not absolutely sure that Kuwanau is the youngest painter in Guyana, but we’re guessing that he might be, or at least, amongst the youngest.
Kawanau was born in Georgetown, Region 4, Guyana, to Guyanese parents Anil and Analisa Roberts. His dad, Anil, is of indigenous heritage from the Makushi Tribe. He hails from Rupertee Village in North Rupununi, Region 9, Guyana, South America. His mom, Analisa is of the Arawak Tribe and hails from Moraikobai Village in Region 5 – which is the only Amerindian village in Region 5.
According to Anil Roberts, the name “Kuwanau” means “harpy eagle” in the Makushi language. Well, this “harpy eagle” is definitely flying high with his God-given talent.
Kawanau and his parents, Anil and Analisa, who fondly describe him as an Arwakushi which means a blend of Arawak and Makushi.
The young Arwakushi, now just 6 years old, developed an interest in art by watching his dad paint and decided to take it to a whole new level. After Kawanau asked for materials to paint, his dad bought some extra canvases for him, along with some paint. Mr. Roberts said that he didn’t give Kawanau any directions. Instead he gave the young artist full rein with his new tools, passion, and imagination.
His paintings are abstract work. He was very interested in how the red and yellow are mixed to create orange, and the blue and yellow are mixed to create green. He was very interested in those mixtures and kept exploring.
Kawanau’s Dad, Anil Roberts
One of Kawanau’s exhibitions, nicknamed, “The Wall of Dreams.”
Join us in cheering for the continued development and success of this talented Guyanese as he continues to soar to new heights.
Update: Kawanau’s parents have created the Facebook Page, Arwakushi, to promote Kawanau’s art and other related products.
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