DERMOT OLIVIERRE LOUISON

Dermot Olivierre Louison was born on December 27th 1933 at 70 Tragarete Road, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago to John Hugo Louison and Josephine Louison née Govia.

He grew up mainly in near abject poverty in the capital and environs of Port of Spain such as Cascade and St. Ann's, moving residence frequently with his mother and two other brothers. Dermot later spent his early childhood days in Cascade and St Ann's, Port of Spain. He received his primary school education at the St Ann's R.C. School and completed his secondary education at the Tranquility Government School.

Dermot remembers that his father deserted the family when he was around four years of age and does not recall ever having seen him again. His mother, a single parent, was the backbone of her family until her early death in 1949.

Louison has grown to be one of Trinidad's premiere artists, admired and appreciated by those who have a love for scenic Trinidad and Tobago and the lost or dying historical lifestyle of the society. His works are greatly admired and adorn the walls of private homes as well as businesses internationally and locally.

Louison developed a strong interest in art at an early age, largely self taught, though with a brief attendance at an art school in London, England, during the early 1950's at which time he traveled the European continent extensively. He developed into a professional artist after his return to Trinidad in 1959. Since then he has held many successful exhibitions both locally and within the Caribbean region.

Trinidad and Tobago's role as an American military base which, coupled with industrial development, paved the way to drastic changes in cultural pattern and attitudes: these are among the most sought-after themes in his work. Others are folklore traditions of which the Tourist Board of Trinidad & Tobago printed a series of postage stamps.

Louison can be described as a man of highly individual and complex character who shuns publicity and prefers to spend his time hiking and fishing in various secluded parts of the island.