Shastri Maharaj
Shastri Maharaj was born in Chaguanas on 24 January 1953. He was educated at Naparima College in San Fernando and at the Valsayn Teachers College. Later he attended the University of Manitoba, where he studied Fine Art, majoring in Painting. He was an active member of the San Francisco Drama Guild and the San Fernando Theatre Workshop. He is currently a teacher at the Gasparillo Composite School.
His Hindu origins continue to influence Maharaj's choice of subject matter, and spiritual and cultural images dominate his work, some frenzied, some contemplative, and others ethereal. His colors are brilliant, and many of his paintings reminiscent of the Fauvist and early Expressionist painters, but also the dreamlike canvasses of Chagall.
Maharaj says about his work, "The volume of artworks reflects a cross-section of themes which are presented in different artistic mannerisms. The subject matter for my paintings comes from experiences. Some statements are personal: the death of my father, a visit to the 'puja' ; others are emotional and revel in sexual, domestic, and romantic involvement."
"There are always people represented on my canvasses. These people are either portrayed in a very representational, formal way or a crude, simple, unpretentious (almost primitive) or elementary manner. The paint goes from heavily built up -- 'impasto' -- to almost transparent, brushless washes. The colors are optimistic."
The over-riding themes of his work are mythology, family values, education, and a growing consciousness of developing spirituality.
Recently, Maharaj showed his work at an exhibition in Bonn, where it was enthusiastically received. The show reflected incisive observations on life and matters in Trinidad, with the accent on cultural and racial conflicts perceived and experienced by the artist himself.
Education
- Naparima College, San Fernando
- Valsayn Teacher's College
- University of Manitoba, Canada (Fine Arts/Painting)
Professional work
- Member, San Francisco Drama Guild
- Member, San Fernando Theater Workshop
- Teacher, Gasparillo Composite School
Exhibitions
- Exhibited in Bonn, Germany
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