Prime Minister Samuel Hinds on Friday opened a one-month exhibition at the Museum of African Heritage to honour renowned local artist Phillip Moore for his contribution to African culture in Guyana.

Phillip Moore

In his address Hinds said Moore is a man who’s “risen to great heights”. He said descendants of enslaved Africans have come a long way since Emancipation and posited that like them, persons should look at disadvantages as challenges. The Prime Minister said at this time of the month persons should be inspired by contributions such as Moore’s, and other persons of African descent who have achieved high office through dedication and hard work. Museum Representative Christobel Hughes described Moore as an icon.

She said he is most noted for sculpting one of the country’s landmarks, the 1763 Monument at the Square of the Revolution.

According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release Phillip Alphonso Moore was born on October 12, 1921 in Manchester Village on the Corentyne Coast. His passion for the arts has won him several awards and recognition both locally and overseas. He was also appointed Artist in Residence and tutor in wood sculpture at Princeton University in the USA.

Moore now resides at Manchester Village and still paints. GINA said the exhibition features paintings, sculptures and other pieces by Moore. The Museum is located at Barima Avenue.