CREATIVE EXPRESSIONS OF COLOUR BY A. JERRY SIMON
August 9 2026 | Art Review
This week we are looking at a painting that, once again, depicts an aspect of our culture and heritage. This painting called “Panspiration”, by Antiguan artist Edison Liburd, is filled with colour, energy, movement, passion and sound. Edison is not only a passionate painter but he is also a dedicated musician and he often paints music and dance into his artwork. The depth of his work is even greater as it inspires us to praise our Creator with our talents.
Panspiration features a common portrait and scene of Antiguan and Caribbean culture – a pan man engrossed in playing a passionate piece. However, Edison has a style and technique that takes this common scene to an uncommon level. The colour palette is intense and vibrant, messaging the idea of a society whose art is forged by the light and energy of the sun.
There is a deliberate swirly brush pattern that makes the musician one with his environment. Although he is the solitary subject in the painting, he is playing with the energy of a communal experience. This is carried on by the swirly notes calligraphed on a spirited manuscript that rises from the pan, surrounds the player and diffuses into the environment.
Panspiration is an inspiration to enjoy life to its fullest, to embrace culture and to develop talents, while giving glory to one who created and sustains us. In the Caribbean, where our identity was deliberately eroded by our colonizers, we were able to hold on to our African heritage and forge a new one of our own: One that uplifted our being and brought out our innate talent of praise.
The steelpan is the only natural musical instrument that was invented in the 20th century. It has its origin in Trinidad and Tobago when someone heard sweet music from the noise of objects knocking against old oil drums.
From Trinidad it spread to the rest of the Caribbean and indeed the world, with Antigua responsible for many of the innovations of the instrument itself and orchestral arrangement of the music.
Today everything is played on the steel pan, from Caribbean calypsos to European classical music. It is indeed a wonderful instrument that demonstrates the process of counter-colonization. The so-called masters are learning and have learnt from those who were once subjected. Panspiration was born out of our struggle, but it now lives in our joy. Like Edison Liburd himself says about this piece, “Being a creative, the joy of creation never ends”.
Artwork Details
Title: Panspiration
Artist: Edison Liburd
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Tel / WhatsApp: (268) 723 6513
Email: edisonartsgallery@gmail.com