Master of the Plastic Arts of Panama, Olga Sinclair always transmits enthusiasm, positivism and a display of innate talent as inherited in each of her projects. Her professional career is largely based on the power that education entails, which in her case it was primarily in Europe, where she managed to develop her own painting style with a more universal projection, but with colors that resemble the joy and warmth of our country. Olga Sinclair help brake the Guinness record, by bringing together the largest number of people painting at the same time in 2014, to create a large mural to commemorate the hundred years of the Panama Canal. Sinclair once again leads us to reflect on how art can contribute to Panamanian society. However, the artist repeatedly expressed that for art to transcend as part of the country’s tourist offer, it must have more support from the State through the management of the Ministry of Culture.
How do you feel that your works reflect the culture and idiosyncrasies of our country abroad?
“My works are the result of a family inheritance that comes from my father’s teachings, the great Alfredo Sinclair, who introduced modernism in Panama in the 50s and changed the course of Panamanian art. Art critics see in my work the Caribbean, full of colors, bathed in an elegant and sophisticated palette with sober tones and sincere gestures, where the force of the brushstroke has a visual effect on the viewer”.
How could our art create a closer bond with foreigners to visit our country?
“The first thing have to promote are our beaches, landscapes, gastronomy and history. If you add to that a cultural platform with museums, archaeological sites, theaters, dance and music shows (not always classic folkloric dances), we will have achieved a very tempting pack for tourists. Unfortunately, the different governments have not given due importance to these issues”. What needs to be created in order for Panamanians to know and relate more to our country’s art?
“We would have to do a review of our Academic Pensum, which is very outdated. If the government invests in culture and education, Panamanians themselves would be more willing to go to a museum or a concert than to go shopping. “
What projects can be introduced in our country to make it a “Hub” for local and international artists?
“Non-profit organizations of Panamanians such as Danilo Perez, Erika Ender, Omar Alfano,” Gramo Dance “by Ximena Eleta, Jorge De la Guardia with school children’s orchestras,” Luna de Tambores “by Alfredo Hidrovo, and others – like mine – make superhuman efforts to open platforms of opportunities and create interest in arts education. Some do have state aid, but more than that is important the state commitment to improving education, offering “artistic residencies” for young foreigners and encouraging private initiatives so that a Central American art market is generated in Panama. ”.
If you were offered to lead a project that captures Panama through art, and it visits the main capitals of the world, how would you capture Panama?
“They have already offered me that possibility and we are studying it. One of the things I am extremely proud of is having established my non-profit organization ten years ago. What they offer me has to do with that, and it would be to paint with a million children of America for the Peace of the World and I think we can achieve it. It is for the year 2023. The basis of the event would be Panama and Spain, and what is done with passion, is achieved. Let’s wait to see it”.
What can we do so that art lives in each town along the Pan-American Highway and an unforgettable experience can be created for each Visitor?
“In our Non-profit organization we receive many messages from the interior asking for guidance or initiatives that are able to develop it. For the first time in Republican history, we have a Ministry of Culture that should promote such initiatives. Investing in culture goes far beyond hiring “Influencers”. We must invest in Cultural Centers in each town, create programs of ballet tours, dance, theater, folklore, painting exhibitions and experimentation with sculpture, videos, digital art, recycled art, and commit our children and young people to develop their ideas.”
What activities are you carrying out or will you be carrying out in favor of Panamanian society?
“I carry out activities for the creative spirit of children and young people who need their own space, which reminds them that they are unique and creative beings. Art, in the life of the individual, is a catalyst for emotions, and the earlier this tool is offered to children, the better prepared they will be to handle their lives later”.
Sinclair always supports charitable causes by donating many of his works. Although it clarifies that a society with so many private initiatives that raise funds to help the poorest, is showing a serious lack of the State.
Photos courtesy: Olga Sinclair.
