PNCR mourns the passing of national sculptor Philip Moore

The PNCR says it is with sadness and a deep sense of national loss that it extends condolences to the relatives of internationally celebrated artist and sculptor Philip Moore, CCH.

Moore died at 4.30 am on Sunday at his Lancaster Village, Corentyne, Berbice home at the age of 90, the party said in a press release.

Moore, who considered himself “spirit taught”, based on his dream in 1955 that, “a large hand reached down to him from heaven and a voice commanded him to begin his career as an artist,” has left the nation and future generations with a wider and more profound understanding of art and the artist. “He literally utilised everything around him to create his artworks and was, without doubt, one of our most versatile and prolific artists,” the release said.

Philip Moore

Moore’s most famous national sculptural contribution is the landmark 1763 Monument, known familiarly to all Guyanese as the “Cuffy Monument” which dominates the Square of the Revolution in Georgetown. The monument was unveiled on May 23, 1976 to mark the 10th anniversary of Guyana’s independence. “He was a committed Guyanese who wanted his major works to remain in Guyana to form the core of our National Art Gallery collection,” the PNCR said.

“A humble and deeply spiritual man,” Moore achieved the positions of resident tutor at the Burrowes School of Art and visiting professor at Princeton University in the USA. He was also a poet and musician.

The PNCR Central Executive Committee and party members extended condolences to Moore’s son Philip Moore Jr, daughter Corine Munroe, elderly sister and other relatives on the passing of a man considered an “ancient spirit in a modern body.”