The local art industry has been plunged into mourning following the murder of art dealer Mark Pereira.
According to police reports Pereira was shot and killed in Blanchisseuse on Monday night, during an attempted robbery.
Pereira, the owner of 101 Art Gallery, owned a home in the north coast village of Blanchisseuse .
The Art Society of T&T in a Facebook post this morning stated:
"It is with deep sadness that the Art Society learnt of the untimely passing of Mark Pereira of 101 Art Gallery. Mark was a long standing friend and supporter of the Art Society. Throughout several incarnations of Board of the Art Society he showed his unwavering support. His Gallery, 101, recently became the first Commercial Member of the Art Society as we launched a new campaign to breathe new life into the society by collaborating with corporate partners.
The Art Society and by extension the entire Visual Art Community mourns his passing. We will miss his presence, which was always accompanied with a sophisticated flair. Mark was always generous with his wisdom which contributed significantly to the promotion and development of visual art in Trinidad and Tobago. Thank you for your service Mark."
Artist Rubadiri Victor posted:
"This is a blow to the local Visual Arts community as Mark was probably the most successful gallery owner in Trinidad & Tobago. He was the connector between the richest of patrons & the most Artists of Artists."
Patricia Bissessar the curator of the Angelo Bissessarsingh Virtual Museum of T&T stated:
"He was a great friend of my niece Carmelita Bissessarsingh, her father Rudolph Bissessarsingh and my sister Ann Marie Bissessar. Mark Pereira was the founder of 101 Art Gallery in Belmont and has over the years made a tremendous contribution to the Art Fraternity in T&T. Recently he gifted to my niece Carmelita a box of Boscoe Holder paint brushes, and paint set. He also gifted her a personal photo album belonging to renowned artist Boscoe Holder."