Leo Warner
LEO WARNER,
Cabinetmaker, draughtsman and builder. Pioneer of Alexander Ragtime Band, Captain of Commandos Steelband (1940s). He organized the first Carnival Costume Exhibition at the Harbour Scheme on Wrightson Road, Port-of Spain. Carnival costume designer for Desperadoes, Pioneer of the Independent Credit Union, early member of the Art Society and Branch Secretary of SWWTU.
Sculptor and painter, mas maker; art and craft teacher, husband, father a trailblazer. He is the builder of the "John Dende" sculpture in front of the Laventille Complex (Despers). Credited with building the first wire-nosed fancy sailor, 1950s and 1960s. He was a member of the first panel of judges of skills in National Carnival competitions and continued judging for twenty years until he become a member of the Spiritual Baptist Faith of which he later became a Bishop.
Warner had his first one man show of his works in 1976 and then in 1977 at the National Museum. In 1997 and 1998 'Spiritual Dimension' and 'Symbolism' at City Hall, Port of Spain and at the Financial Complex. In 2002 'A Tribute to Leo Warner' was staged at the National Museum and Art Gallery with the collaboration of Studio 66 Art Support Community. That year he was also honoured by the Port of Spain City Corporation and an initiative launched by Studio 66 Art Support Community to make his home a public shrine and heritage building.
In 2003 Warner staged another exhibition "Revelations" at Gallery 1.2.3.4. which featured many of his new sculptural pieces. "Often we may see his works ecstatic as well as tormented visualizations, halos I thought that can only touch us" says LeRoy Clarke of Leo Warner's work (2003)... "The sombre applications in technique bare a biblical mood in his landscapes that are remote and disturbing, tranquil-like depictions of spiritual possessions..."
Information courtesy The National Museum, Port of Spain.
Beyond the Fence - 24 x 36" Mixed media - undated
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Mocking Pretender - 19 x 12" - Mixed Media - Undated
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