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Artistic Couple Completes Downtown Mural

Artistic Couple Completes Downtown MuralAntigua St John's - Walking past the Smoke House Restaurant in downtown St John’s, and you can’t help but be drawn to the artwork painted on the lower section of its walls.

Caribarena.com arrived just in time to see two artists putting the final touches on the mural that depicts Antigua & Barbuda's music, flora and fauna, and cultural heritage sites.

Many pedestrians stopped to admire the scene, and the raw talent of these two artists - a couple - who have been painting together for two years.

It took Alex Imeland and Marlin Romero eight days to complete the mural.

“What we did was, we got magazines of all that you are seeing here, and put them in art. We are very happy with the result,” Imeland said.

He has been interested in art since he was very young, inspired by some of the world’s renowned artists including Da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, and Michelangelo.

Both artists are from Santo Domingo, of Antiguan parentage. Imeland spent two years at the Art Academy in Santo Domingo where he developed his skills and shared many of the techniques with his other half.


Although he has been selling his art through Tainos Art Gallery at Jolly Harbour and at the gallery at Woods, before it closed, Imeland said he would like to see more art galleries available.

“Antigua has plenty of talent in art, but sometimes we don’t have enough places to show it, and that’s why I am saving to get my own studio, so that more people can know about my work,” he said.

He also hopes someday to become an art teacher and share his techniques with young people.

"I don’t think we artists should keep the talent just for us, we have to share it up," he said. "We have a lot of culture, we have a lot of nice things here to show the people."


Imeland’s painting skills are also displayed on the VC Bird bust in Heroes' Park at the public market.

Likewise, Romero said she too is passionate about spreading Antiguan culture through art, and she expects to continue working with Imeland for many years to come.

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14 Comments In This Article   

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RE: Artistic Couple Completes Downtown Mural

#14 Leroy » 2011-08-11 09:08

I agree, just give dues where it is due. Wonderful job. Keep the good work.
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Leroy

Venture out to the bigger cities guys

#13 Bludy Bloke » 2011-05-01 20:26

I am extremely impress with their skills. What I am more impress with is their skills producing such results by freehand, by that I mean, without the use of a pencil and rubber. I can't help to say that the big cities need you guys. In this part of the world it just might be stiffling, especially hear in Antigua. Unfortunately, around here art is not considered as any big thing. However I do appreciate that your skills can be imparted to the youths. U guys have RAW talent. I luv what I see.
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Bludy Bloke

citerzen is right

#12 pete » 2011-04-12 22:45

I do not live in Antigua and every time I read the comments they are full of political inuendoes which is rather disgusting and senseless, its time for the populace to get up off their backsides and stop depending on government to do each and everything for the country. There are a lot of private persons in the country who have money that could invest in these persons but is either affraid or relucant to do so, so what are you james doing just blaming the government for not doing this or that.
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pete

wow

#11 my way of helping » 2011-04-10 10:22

I really like that piece. I would like a piece like that on my gallery, something relaxing when i sit outside. It is amazing and i believe there are a lot more these artist can do to help the united Islands and the drive from the airport to the hotels.

Thank you artist and you will get your reward soon, when i enter office.
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my way of helping

@ James

#10 Citizen of Antigua » 2011-04-10 06:26

LOL........Ther e you go again, Polictics, Politics. I will not entertain you and take away from the subject of the article.
Once again, keep up the good work Alex and Marlin.
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Citizen of Antigua

James made a good point

#9 Artist » 2011-04-10 05:53

Nothing exists in a vaccum. If we enjoy this art work and others like this, the socio-political atmosphere must be there for it to florish. I know of many artiste from Antigua that are not being given a chance in their country.
That is why there is a perception that great painters or up and coming ( artists) are expats or white people picnie. The government needs to create this atmosphere.
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Artist

Art not War

#8 me » 2011-04-10 05:36

Why cant we just give dues where it is due for once, just once and keep politics out of it....:'(:'(:'( :'( We are so political "motivated" we cant see nothing else but.
This piece warms my heart and to the couple I pray you continue with the good work. I am going to make the time to go and take a look at this very fine art work.

Makes me very proud. There are so many talent in this country and we need to encourage them when we see them rise above.
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me

Lovely

#7 Lionman » 2011-04-10 03:07

I like this story their work is impressive. I hope they gain more exposure.
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Lionman

#6 Morris » 2011-04-10 01:51

The skills displayed by these two artists is absolutely amazing. I hope that this type of exposure will enable the community and visitors to recognize their talents and support their effort. Alex, good luck in making that dream of building your studio a reality.

@ James
Everythin g is not and should not be about politics. Did you know that in the rich and powerful USA they have significantly reduced their funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)? There are not too many countries around that set aside money for that anymore. However, I believe that if and when he opens his studio, that the government should offer him some concessions/tax breaks to allow him time to grow.
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Morris

I will take No more!

#5 James » 2011-04-10 01:32

@ Citizen of Antigua

You are obviously a biased UPP supporter who can't see beyond the blue of your eyes! It is my denmocratic right to point out the wrongs committed by this UPP administration, and any other one for that matter. You cannot argue against the fact that cultural activities has not only recieved a smaller budget this year, and progressively so over the last few years, but there is absolutely NO LONG TERM DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY! I dare you to find one and publish it on this site! The fact is the Baldwin Spencer cartel, does not support or care for the development of culture as it ought to. Thats a fact! Thisis a failed government and it is my democratic right to point out these facts for all to see! If you wish to be blind, then so be it!
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James

Congratulations

#4 Tobi » 2011-04-09 23:46

Congratulations to the two talented artists, Alex & Marlin. I wish them continued success through their hard work and clear vision. Unlike you, James, they are not sitting around expecting government to give them their talents and jobs, and blaming others for your own failure.
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Tobi

Give it a rest

#3 Citizen of Antigua » 2011-04-09 23:37

Why does everything have to be political James, geesh! "Give it a rest". In most countries once election is over that's it until it comes around again. Only in Antigua.
Keep up the good work Alex and Marlin.
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Citizen of Antigua

Good initiative

#2 James » 2011-04-09 22:24

In most countries such brilliant talent would have been given an opportunity to flourish through some form of government program or grant. Unfortunately the UPP led administration does not encourage this type of refined talent. It will not bring anything to them in the form of kick-backs or under the table deals. I am proud ofthese two young people and wish them well for the years to come. I hope they gain some success even under these wicked UPP leaders.
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James

Bring on that Studio...

#1 Art Lover » 2011-04-09 22:14

Keep it Up... Impressive Stuff.
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Art Lover

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