Guy Beckles is the only celebrated kinetic artist in the English-speaking Caribbean. Math and physics play an integral role in Beckles’ art. “My love for physics prompted me to do art that moves, utilizing my basic knowledge of gears, levers, pulleys, motors, magnetism, balance and the theory that to every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.” Upon graduation from Dartmouth with a BA in Visual Studies, Beckles returned to Trinidad and taught art for several years to high school students.
He continued creating art while teaching until deciding to focus solely on his craft. The kinetic art Guy Beckles creates is subtly influenced by his extensive travels throughout North India, North Africa, Western China and Europe. He has exhibited in London, New York, Washington DC, Boston, Florida, Toronto and his birthplace Trinidad.
His work is often reflective of a society’s dynamics—the ethnic, cultural, political and social constructs. He seeks, explores and ponders “the duality of life, the ying and yang, the ebb and flow”. As a new creation burgeons into life, Beckles uses all sensory stimuli and allows Divine influence to shape the work. He surrounds himself with various materials and gadgets, allowing playful exploration to create thought provoking and sensory stimulating art. The reactions he receives from viewers of his work can also be his greatest fuel. As an artist, Guy Beckles hopes to evoke curiosity and amazement, where the viewer asks- how, why, where and when about each piece, or smiles or remembers a childhood memory. He wants “viewers to be aware that his work is whimsical yet profound; simple yet effective; complicated yet therapeutic; soothing yet disturbing.”
