Guyana’s First Lady, Arya Ali, was yesterday presented with a portrait of herself created by Guyanese artist, Compton Babb. The announcement was made by the First Lady via her Facebook Page. Mrs. Ali called the portrait “a captivating and truly amazing piece of artistic work.” And she referred to the artist, Compton Babb, as “one of our finest creatives.”
According to Mrs. Ali, the portrait, spearheaded by Mr. Babb, took three months to complete and the production was aided by an auxiliary group of at least ten members. These include:
Saajid Husani – Photographer
James Bond – Cigars & Cognac, Eco Bar and Lounge
Dr. Rosh Khan – SocialRank Media
Steven Jacobs – Jacobs Jewellery
Randy Madray – Randy Madray Designer
Philip Barton – Videographer
Jason Medas – Heartthrob Dynamics
Cleveland Bradford – Eclipse Digitalphoto
Clayborn Austin – C.N.A.A Establishment
Ian Ramdeo – Urban Life Guyana
Special thanks also to Peggy Medas, Angela Profijt, Rhonda Lee-Dalrymple, Lisa Jackman, Shelsee Thom, Lilian Taylor, and Ashely Williams.
Incorporated in this portrait which took almost three months to complete, are real gold nuggets, precious gems, and stones – making it the first piece of its kind to be done by Mr. Babb.
Statement by Compton Babb
“Gold’s value cannot be denied and has long been associated with wealth, success, prestige, influence, and prosperity. The color gold is also associated with generosity, compassion, empowerment, confidence, and inspiration. For both reasons, I have included this precious metal in my most recent artistic creation; The Portrait of our First Lady, Her Excellency Mrs. Arya Ali.
In this portrait real gold nuggets have been strategically placed in the center of the jewelry that adorns the head and neck of the First Lady. Furthermore, semi-precious jewels adorn the painting which have been placed strategically to symbolize the dance between the paint and the stones.
The choice to place gold in these two locations is of significant importance. The head represents the seat of energy, strength, wisdom, self-esteem, honor and beauty. While the neck represents the source of communication, the place where the voice originates. Symbolically, the head and neck combine to highlight and articulate the significant and critical role the First Lady plays in Guyanese society. Our First Lady commands a unique platform which she uses to empower and improve the lives of underserved children and women. She is a role model to many and is a key figure in the fight against poverty and the drive for unity.”
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It is not clear at this point if the portrait with gold nuggets and precious jewelry is entirely a gift from Mr. Babb to the First Lady or if there was a cost attached.
