RHIANNA MCKENZIE
Artist Leona Fabien’s exhibition Woodbrook: A Living Hell depicts the impact of commercialisation on the residents of the area.
Woodbrook, Port of Spain, has in recent years become a hot spot of activity and developing business community. The area, made popular by Ariapita Avenue, which has become the centre for night crawlers and bar hoppers from all over the country, has also attracted restaurateurs and street food vendors.
As outsiders gravitate to Woodbrook for business and entertainment, however, the development has become a nightmare for people who live there.
Artist and Woodbrook resident Fabien's most recent collection of 42 pieces depicts the impact of commercialisation on the residents.
[caption id="attachment_953943" align="alignnone" width="1024"] A piece by artist Leona Fabien from her exhibition, Woodbrook, a living Hell at the Soft Box Art Gallery in St Clair, Port of Spain. - Soft Box Art Gallery[/caption]
The exhibit, a partnership with the University of the West Indies, can be viewed at the Soft Box Gallery, St Clair, Port of Spain, until May 13.
A statement from the gallery said the exhibit explores the outcome of the cultural and social changes on the residents, the altering of the built environment and ultimately the demolition of the older residences in the once predominately residential neighbourhood. The research was done by Fabien in partial fulfilment of the requirements in cultural studies at the UWI department of literary, cultural and communication studies.
“The area was once very residential,” she told Newsday in a phone interview on Friday.
Reflecting on her 35 years living in the area, she said it was a very different place in her childhood years. “We used to play football in the streets safely. There were a lot more children in yards playing. There were chickens and dogs, children outdoors.
“There were a lot more fruit trees and it was very quiet and clean. Even if businesses were next door to you, you could play on their compound. You can’t do that now.” She said it was difficult for her to pinpoint when the area changed but the changes felt drastic and sudden.
“After a while it just happened. I tried to ignore the changes because I was in a state of shock.”
She said residents have often complained about the noise pollution coming from the avenue at night, over the years. “Sleeping can be difficult (and) it seems to have had an impact on crime. We don’t know if a person is a crook or genuinely looking to help anymore.”
[caption id="attachment_953945" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Artis Leona Fabien’s exhibition Woodbrook: A Living Hell depicts the impact of commercialisation on the residents of the area. - Leona Fabien[/caption]
She said she believes people are more open now to moving out of the area.
“If (owners) get a good offer for their property, they may accept it. Still, there are a lot more residents than businesses but not along the avenue. The avenue has gone to businesses.”
Port of Spain Mayor Joel Martinez has voiced h
