Experience art come to life at 3rd edition of Blank Canvases

Imagine walking through a gallery where the paintings are not just static images on canvases, but living creations that evolve before your eyes — the merging of technology and art having produced an enchanting and immersive experience that blends the boundaries between the physical and virtual realms.
Roberta Nicolls and Ackeem Thomas have again teamed up to host the second augmented art edition of Blank Canvases. Using augmented reality technology, these artworks spring to life, enhancing their storytelling potential. At Blank Canvases, the augmented reality feature can be unlocked via the mobile app Artivive.

After a successful inaugural augmented art exhibition last year, Nicolls and Thomas have again collaborated to offer a truly mesmerising event, billed for July 7 at the Black Magenta on Camp Street in Georgetown.
“This year’s Blank Canvases: “The Art of Collaboration”, finds me marrying my love and passion for art with my last year’s worth of studies; which had a heavy lean towards businesses collaborating to create bigger, better, and more sustainable businesses,” Nicolls told Guyana Times.”So I have invited growing businesses who are at different stages of their development, who also have a passion for collaboration, to share my stage.”
Nicolls has spent roughly six months carefully curating the perfect pieces to be displayed, and has decided on twelve captivating creations.
“Persons attending will find hours being lost while they are sucked in by the augmented layer being done by my genius friend Ackeem,” Nicolls has guaranteed.
At last year’s Blank Canvases: “Inspired Creativity”, she sold all 30 pieces of her art on display, and that was a major feat, considering it was only her second-ever art show.
Born in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Nicolls has always had a deep connection with her creative side, and had even worked in creative spaces in the past. Having fallen in love with Guyana during her first visit in 2018, Nicolls now resides and works here, in the Land of Many Waters, and opportunities. The 49-year-old artist explained to this publication that although art has always been her passion and hobby, it was in Guyana that she decided to launch her career.
“I have always been rooted in the arts in many different forms; however, it was the coming to Guyana for the first time, and falling in love again in different ways in 2018, that started me back (into) painting regularly,” Nicolls related. “I think God was preparing me for many pains to come, and showing me that even that can be turned into beauty if looked at from a different perspective.”
After the passing of her mother in May 2021, Nicolls was inspired to host her first exhibition in May of the following year in honour of her mother. It was that first event, Genesis of Blank Canvases, that drew Thomas towards working with Nicolls, adding a virtual element to her pieces.
“Her pieces were unique and personal, and I was captivated by her originality and ability to vividly paint her emotions,” Thomas had previously expressed to this publication. “Over time, I began to envision how much better it could be if we added a modern spin with technology.”
Thomas is himself a creative in the areas of photography, graphic design and digital art. Founder of Virtual Estate 360 and 3D Lee, the 29-year-old is always looking for innovative ways to introduce fun, modern, and technologically-driven concepts to Guyana.
Nicolls shares similar aspirations, and strives to continue bringing something fresh to the local art scene. She also dreams of opening an art school targeting underprivileged children.
“…a safe place to express themselves and understanding that you don’t have to be destructive when you experience pains in life, but you can turn it into a thing of beauty that can also generate cash flow,” she explained.
But like most creatives globally, Nicolls’s journey is not without challenges; these range from access to quality supplies to getting due value for her work. In this regard, she is advocating for more forums and institutions that support artists.
“…where artists can display their art at minimal cost until people know who they are; and then, when recognised for their talents, they can give back or pay it forward,” she suggested.
Until such a time, Nicolls has said, she will continue to use her artistic gift to inspire, evoke joy, and bring a much-needed layer of positivity into the world.
“I just want to show the world something that makes them smile,” Nicolls has said of her upcoming show.
Tickets for Blank Canvases: “The Art of Collaboration” are available for sale now at potsalt.events for the price of $5000. Alternatively, persons can pay at the door.