presents

the first ever Solo exhibition of

Richie Modeste

Heart & Soul

tel/whatsapp 1-473-404-4981

Instagram @Richie_Modeste_

 

“Richie Modeste: The Adventurous Artist

Born and raised in Grenada, I embarked on an artistic journey that began as a challenge while learning trade skills at the New Life Organization (NEWLO). Little did I know, winning an art contest in 2016 would grant me the opportunity to meet Prince Harry and set the stage for my creative pursuits.

With the encouragement of Sister Margaret, the headmaster of NEWLO, I sold my first set of paintings just a year and a half later. This milestone propelled me to explore various mediums and themes, including participation in a school art competition, which I won in 2018 with my painting, “The Nutmeg Princess.”

My artistic growth continued with exhibitions at the Grenada Art Council, culminating in the Recognition Artist Award in 2019. I also delved into the world of natural materials, crafting unique handbags from seaweed and coconut fiber.

To further develop my business acumen, I participated in programs at the Grenada Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) and the Small Business Assistance and Empowerment Program (SAEP). These initiatives provided valuable funding and exposure for my startup.

In 2023, I had the privilege of working with renowned artist Jason de Caires Taylor on his carnival sculptures for the newest Grenada underwater sculpture park. I also collaborated with a filming production company on the show “The Fortune Hotel.”

The following year, I co-created a stunning cardboard art piece with Blaka Dan, one of Grenada’s prominent soca music stars, for his music video. I was invited back to work on “The Fortune Hotel” show for the second time, further solidifying my presence in the art world.

Throughout my journey, I’ve remained committed to exploring new techniques, materials, and themes, earning my reputation as an adventurous artist. I look forward to continuing to push boundaries and create art that inspires and uplifts.”

 

‘Forest View’
22”x 15” Acrylic on Canvas

  $950EC/$355US

‘Forest View’ presents a striking composition where nature takes center stage. A mango tree in the foreground shows intricate details of its textured trunk and vibrant leaves, drawing the viewer into the scene. Beyond the tree, a sweeping valley unfolds, leading the eye toward the distant mountains. Through rich textures and masterful acrylic brushwork, Modest captures the essence of Grenada’s natural beauty, evoking a sense of depth, tranquility, and connection to the land.

 

‘Busting Open’
18”x 14” – Acrylic on Canvas –   $375EC/$140US

‘Busting Open’ captures the vibrancy of Grenada’s rich cocoa heritage. The painting showcases a freshly split cocoa pod, its raw seeds enveloped in a delicate, milky-white mucilage, spilling onto the lush greenery of the forest floor. The dynamic composition, with the seeds bursting from the pod, conveys both movement and nature’s abundance. Through expressive textures and bold acrylic colors, Modest brings this moment to life, celebrating the island’s agricultural beauty and the raw beginnings of its world-renowned chocolate.

 

‘That’s Cocoa’
18”x 24” – Acrylic on Canvas –  $1900EC/$705US

‘That’s Cocoa’ beautifully blends innocence, nature, and culture in a captivating composition. A young girl, dressed in a delicate aqua-blue dress with matching hair bows, gently cradles a freshly cut cocoa pod. One half remains intact, with its creamy-white seeds perfectly in place, while the other half lies empty-symbolizing transformation and tradition. Around her, whole and broken cocoa pods rest against modest greenery, grounding the scene in Grenada’s agricultural richness. Above, a brilliant orange and blue twilight sky glows, with stars beginning to shine through. In the distance, the sea shimmers with the last light of day, completing this enchanting portrait of nature and heritage.

 

‘A Morning With Cocoa’

36″ x 36″ – Acrylic on Canvas – $2,000/EC $750.00

‘A Morning with Cocoa’, Richie Modeste masterfully weaves together the vibrant hues of dawn and the rich legacy of Grenadian culture, all centered around the majestic cocoa fruit. This stunning acrylic piece is a true marvel, boasting intricate details that invite the viewer to step into the serene atmosphere of a Grenadian morning.
Amidst the lush foliage, the orange cocoa fruit takes center stage, its subtle sheen and delicate curves expertly captured by Modeste’s skilled brushstrokes. As the golden light of morning creeps through the scene, it’s as if the very essence of the island’s history and heritage is being awakened, paying tribute to the profound significance of cocoa in Grenadian tradition. With every stroke, Modeste’s passion for this beloved fruit shines through, imbuing the entire composition with a sense of reverence and admiration.

 

‘River Sallee Bay’
24”x 18”  – Acrylic on Canvas – $900EC/$335US

‘River Sallée Bay’ captures the dramatic beauty of Grenada’s northern coastline near St. Mark’s Little River estuary. With its striking black sand, rugged coastal rocks, and a rolling wave dissolving into delicate seafoam, this piece evokes both the raw power and tranquility of the sea. Through expressive brushstrokes and rich textures, Modest brings the shoreline to life, inviting viewers to experience the movement and energy of the water. His work, created under the banner of Clear Ambition, reflects a deep connection to Grenada’s coastal landscapes and their ever-changing beauty.

‘Last Grenadian Treasure’
6ft x 4ft – Multi-Media on Canvas- $3,000EC/$1,110US

‘Last Grenadian Treasure’ is a mixed media exploration of sea and spice, heritage and identity. The artwork fuses natural and symbolic elements to reflect Grenada’s past, present, and enduring cultural significance.

At its center, an open nutmeg pod, crafted from a “wood-ants” nest (termite carton – a protective structure built by tree dwelling termites using chewed wood, soil, and organic materials), is sprayed with metallic paint, symbolizing luxury and the once-thriving spice industry. The mace, made from a natural gemstone, is strikingly sprayed red, embodying the vibrancy and value of Grenada’s “golden” era when nutmeg was king.

Emerging from a void, a hand reaches forward, symbolizing Grenadian identity holding onto its history and heritage. Encircling this are wooden strips, representing the built heritage of traditional homes, their closeness evoking a time when community and unity shaped a better era. The backdrop’s blues and greens, reminiscent of the sea, frame this treasured past, anchoring it to the present.

A profound statement on culture, resilience, and the last remnants of an iconic past, Last Grenadian Treasure invites the viewer to reflect on what is held onto and what remains to be preserved.

‘My Memories’
6ft x 4ft  $3500EC/$1300US

‘My Memories’ is a nostalgic tribute to the rustic beauty of Grenada’s countryside. A modest wooden home, weathered by time, sits on a sturdy concrete base, its gable roof covered in aged, rusting galvanized iron sheets. The charm of a bygone era lingers in the structure’s falling shutters and missing boards, whispering ories of past grandeur. Perched on an elevation, the house overlooks a vibrant valley below, where life continues amidst the untouched beauty of mountains rising into blue and gray skies.

Through his masterful brushwork and evocative detail, Modest captures not just a place, but the enduring essence of home, history, and the passage of time.

 

‘Shell Fishing in Grenada’
4ft x 3ft – Acrylic on Canvas –  $1100EC/$410 US

‘Shell Fishing’ in Grenada captures a tranquil yet mesmerizing evening by the shore. A young boy, dressed in shorts, an armless shirt, and a wide-brimmed blue hat, stands near the rocks, intently observing shells illuminatedy the flickering flame of his torch. The fire’s vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows form the heart of the composition, casting a warm glow against the cool evening tones. To the right, towering aqua waves crash onto the shore, their foamy crests churning seaweed in a rhythmic dance. With rich textures and dynamic movement, Modest evokes a scene of quiet curiosity and the timeless connection between people and the sea.

‘Handbag’

made with coconut fibre, wood, metal hardware

one of a kind $600EC/$225 US

 

‘Bag 1’

Handmade with coconut fibre, wood, metal hardware

not for sale – for exhibition only

‘Bag 2’

Handmade with coconut fibre, wood, metal hardware

not for sale – for exhibition only