Discover the captivating art of Indra Persad Milowe, a Trinidadian artist whose vibrant paintings celebrate her cultural heritage.

Indra Persad Milowe: A celebration of festivals and folklore through art

“My paintings…are meant to please both the eye and the mind!” Indra Persad Milowe, born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, has three art collections “Festivals & Folklore of Trinidad, West Indies”, “My Journey to Morocco”, and “Beautiful Ubud Bali”. The artist shares insights about her journey and work, a vivid reflection of her cultural roots and the rich narratives of her homeland.

Mythical characters, cultural significance, historical and psychological meaning

“I keep a sketchbook by my bed and couch. I like to daydream, ideas come to me so I quickly sketch them! My preferred medium is acrylic paints on canvas. I use vibrant colours. This creates IMPACT and draws the viewer to explore the meaning of each painting.

People of all ages can enjoy my art! The children will find the mythical characters delightful and fascinating. Adults will understand the cultural significance, historical and psychological meaning of my paintings. For they are meant to both please the eye and the mind! My three guiding principles are 1) Planning 2) Persistence and 3) Publicity.”

Art collection: Festivals & Folklore of Trinidad, West Indies

Moko Jumbie by Indra Persad Milowe. — *Moko Jumbie.*

Doubles by Indra Persad Milowe. — *Doubles.*

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All Women Steelband & Limbo Dancer by Indra Persad Milowe. — *All Women Steelband & Limbo Dancer.*

The Ship of State by Indra Persad Milowe. — *The Ship of State.*

‘Art is not just a painting hanging up on a wall’

“Born with an innate talent and a deep appreciation for the natural world, my work reflects my rich cultural heritage and the vibrant stories of my homeland, Trinidad and Tobago. My art tells stories about myself and my culture, using images of nature, everyday objects, and creative designs.

My artistic journey began in my youth, nurtured by my high school (St Augustine Girls’ High School) art teacher, Mrs Helga Mohammed, who said, “Art is not just a painting hanging up on a wall, art is in every aspect of your daily life.” During those high school years, my talent blossomed.

My career initially took a different path. I pursued nursing, specialising in general, ophthalmic, and psychiatric, a profession that took me across continents. In April 2019, after decades of service in the medical field, I retired, embracing my lifelong dream of returning to art.”

Art collection: My Journey to Morocco

A Gate Outside the Medina by Indra Persad Milowe. — *A Gate Outside the Medina.*

Tagine for a Communal Meal by Indra Persad Milowe. — *Tagine for a Communal Meal.*

Hamsa by Indra Persad Milowe. — *Hamsa.*

Whirling Dervish by Indra Persad Milowe. — *Whirling Dervish.*

‘Telling a story from my life and the folklore of Trinidad and Tobago’

“My first painting in this new chapter was inspired by my grandmother’s kitchen, a place filled with fond memories of cooking and cultural traditions. My paintings are deeply personal, each piece telling a story from my life and the folklore of Trinidad and Tobago.

I admit that one person did not like my Public Art. I hate to brag, but other than that one woman, I have received MANY favourable verbal and written comments! People love the vibrant colours and fascinating themes of my art.”

Sweet TnT Short Stories

Life in Trinidad and Tobago comes alive in the exciting, entertaining, comical, dramatic, thrilling, mysterious and suspenseful tales in Sweet TnT Short Stories. The novella consists of 34 fictional pieces written by authors from around the twin islands who share narratives with you under the sections Lifestyle, Superstition and Fauna. Created by Culturama Publishing Company, producer of Sweet TnT Magazine from San Juan, Trinidad and Tobago, this book is one of the publications that commemorates the 10th anniversary of the publisher from 2009-2019.

A globally recognised artist

“I am an internationally acclaimed UNOFEX (Union of Excellence) painter. I also have a talent for public art. I have been commissioned twice to paint in public spaces in my current hometown, Salem, Massachusetts, USA.

I also plan to continue my regular painting contributions to the Rotunda Gallery, located in the beautiful Red House, Abercromby Street in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad.”

Art collection: Beautiful Ubud, Bali

Candi Bentar by Indra Persad Milowe. — *Candi Bentar.*

Dewi Sri by Indra Persad Milowe. — *Dewi Sri.*

The vibrant journey of Indra Persad Milowe

Indra’s retirement marked a new beginning, where she channelled her experiences and memories into her paintings. Her first piece in this new chapter was inspired by her grandmother’s kitchen, a place filled with fond memories of cooking and cultural traditions. This painting became the cornerstone of her collection titled “Festivals & Folklore of Trinidad, West Indies”.

Her dedication to her craft involves relentless refinement. Her goal is not perfection but achieving a level of expression that resonates deeply with viewers. She strives to create art that educates, inspires, and brings joy. To share her work widely, she actively engages in exhibitions, media coverage, and collaborations with galleries and public spaces.

Her artwork has gained widespread recognition, leading to numerous international exhibitions and features. Her travels have profoundly influenced her collections, including “Beautiful Ubud, Bali” and “My Journey to Morocco”. Her role as an Artist-in-Residence in Bali allowed her to immerse herself in local customs, enriching her artistic vision through participation in festivals and ceremonies.

She has showcased her art in prestigious spaces such as the Rotunda Gallery in Port-of-Spain’s Red House and Art Impact International in Washington, DC. Her participation in the Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA 2023) further established her global reach.

A recent residency at Mauser Eco House in Costa Rica resulted in a monumental 6 x 6-foot mural titled Lutchmie and the donation of a painting to a local establishment. Additionally, her public art projects in Salem, Massachusetts, including murals and exhibitions, earned her two grants from the Public Art Commission.

Continuing to inspire

Indra Persad Milowe’s journey from a young girl with artistic dreams to an internationally celebrated figure demonstrates the power of determination, strategic thinking, and relentless effort. Through her art, she not only preserves her heritage but also shares the vibrant traditions and folklore of Trinidad and Tobago with the world. Her work continues to inspire, connecting people to the beauty and stories of her culture on a global stage.