
Collage
¡°Collage¡± was created by artist Nzimbu Browne using the unique technique of ¡°Banana Art¡±, a practice which consists of collecting, cutting, and layering banana waste products from local banana farmers in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Agriculture makes up 60% of the country¡¯s workforce, with banana production as one of the most important sectors of the country's economy. Browne¡¯s choice to utilize the fruit as his art¡¯s medium is a way for the artist to represent his country and culture creatively. Browne not only selected each dried banana leaf himself but also ensured that each individual fiber had a different color to be used to create different shadings and elements in his composition.
In his collage he depicts a rural farm scene; a common theme he uses to depict the Caribbean island¡¯s culture and long-forgotten history. Regarding his artistic practice, Browne has said, ¡°I use the banana bush to tell a story. I depict history, heritage, environment, social atmosphere, all the traditions. I add volcanic energy to my work.¡±
This gift was presented by the Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph E. Gonsalves, to the Âé¶¹APP and Secretary-General Kofi Annan accepted it.
St. Vincent and The Grenadines gave this collage made of banana leaves to the Âé¶¹APP in celebration of their 25th anniversary of joining the Âé¶¹APP. This is the first gift given from St. Vincent and The Grenadines to the Âé¶¹APP.