Dominica: PM Skerrit mourn demise of painter Earl Darius Etienne

Dominica Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit mourned the demise of the popular artist and painter Earl Darius Etienne and paid him a tribute with a heartfelt message on Thursday, February 24, 2022.

While expressing his condolences, PM Skerrit said that Dominica had lost a national treasure as Earl Etienne was an exceptional talent, a creative genius, and had excellent skills in varied forms of artistic expression.

Recognizing him as a mentor, PM Skerrit noted, "Earl Etienne was an exceptional talent, a creative genius, skilled in varied forms of artistic expression; and a mentor to the many he inspired to follow in his footsteps".

PM Skerrit further called himself as the great admirer of his work and said that he will cherish the pieces of his legacy left behind, and he will always be missed.

The family of Etienne informed that he died at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, while loosing his battle to cancer.

Etienne has worked with various materials such as canvas, wood, paper, fabric for old recycled jeans. His work, styles and Gerber of painting always consist variety of artistic manifestations.

As per the reports, he returned to Dominica this week from Martinique for his further medical treatment.

During his career, Etienne displayed his works in various places such as Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, European countries and the United States.

Etienne has grown from the Caribbean landscape portrayals to highly-sophisticated expressions and techniques.

His main work was based on the reflection of history, lifestyle, people, culture, struggles and much more, and he has also described Hurricane Maria in the art form, for instance, capturing the pain and turmoil of the people of Dominica and also the regeneration of this powerful force of nature.

PM Skerrit paid tribute to the painter and asserted, "On behalf of the Government of Dominica, I extend deepest condolences to his wife and children and to the many others who are devastated by his passing. May he rests in eternal peace".