Alice Mohammed is thankful that she did not act on her father’s impulses but instead stayed inclined to her passion and love for art. Living with a daily reminder of the advantages of acquiring an impressive academic scroll, she never questioned the chances of becoming a medical or legal practitioner if they were aligned with her career path.
Her subtle resistance of rebellion kept her focus on art, and she now enjoys the reward of being selected by foreign curator Rebecca Noreiga to display five of her art pieces at the opening of the Glen Roopchan Art Gallery in Houston, Texas.
Mohammed stands next to some of her resin/crystal stones; gemstones of the bible.
Innis Francis
During Mohammed’s heights of acquisition, she also painted a portrait of multiple title Guinness World record holder and limbo dancer Shemika Campbell during a showing in a colourful blaze on display at the Torrance Mohammed Lobby of the San Fernando Creative Arts Centre.
The Fyzabad woman said she made her way through school but something kept poking her to align herself with what makes her happy. After finishing her studies at the Fyzabad Composite High School she settled down and began a career as a fashion designer.
Standing in support of Alice’s work are her husband Jammal Mohammed, left, her daughter Priscilla Narine right, and Patricia Pollonais.
Innis Francis
Not too late, Mohammed’s autodidactic ability forced her to walk a tightrope which she is grateful for today. She is now a certified visual, resin/crystal, oil, and charcoal artist. “I got a deep conviction, I heard a voice saying to me I give you a gift and you do nothing with it… So I listen to the voice,” Mohammed said. Her work spans area which immortalises people in the T&T cultural diaspora consistent with the Apache Indian mas and most recently Campbell’s limbo dancing. Campbell broke three records and was listed in the World Guinness record achievements for limbo in 2010, 2016, and, 2020. She was happy to receive Mohammed’s gift of an acrylic painting of her Limbo dancing.
A painting of limbo dancer Shemika Campbell.
Innis Francis
Mohammed said: “I feel on top of the world, I felt honoured by this happening for me, I didn’t think it was going to happen. It is sometimes surreal to me how people are captivated by my work and what draws them into it. I know my father would be so proud of me today. He was an artist, but back then it was not profitable to him. So he didn’t want me to do it, he wanted me to be a medical doctor or a lawyer.”
Alice Mohammed presents Limbo dancer Shemika Campbell with a painting at the Creative Arts Centre in San Fernando.
Innis Francis
She said because of her love for art one drawing can take her two days to complete. To date, she has completed more than 30 professional art pieces. She said most of her work is an inspirational construct that depicts her mood and interruption.
Mohammed’s husband Jammal said he believed more men should have a vested interest in their wife’s claims. He said it is at times like these that career-minded women need a spouse to support them the most.