APRIL 23, 1947

LOKONO-ARAWAK GEORGE SIMON BORN—ARTIST/ARCHEAOLOGIST

Born at St Cuthbert’s Mission, British Guiana (now Guyana) and raised by an Anglican priest, George studied fine art at the Universities of Portsmouth & London (along with archeology). In Guyana in 1978, he was an instructor at the Burrowes School of Art and University of Guyana. At Burrowes & the Walter Roth Museum, he worked with artist/archeologist Denis Williams. His art (mainly painting) drew on First Peoples’ myth, legend, and spiritual beliefs. From 1999-2002, Simon had several international exhibitions. In several countries, he set up schools in art & English. At St. Cuthbert’s, he formed the Lokono Art Group. With an archaeological team, Simon examined man-made mounds dating back 5,000 years evidencing settlements predating Stonehenge & Egyptian Pyramids. Awards include: Golden Arrow of Achievement (1998); Anthony N. Sabga Caribbean Award (2012); and the Lifetime Award from the Guyana Cultural Association of New York (2017). He died in Spain on July 15, 2020.

Sources:

“Mr. George Simon,” Anthony N Sabga Awards, Caribbean Excellence.  Retrieved 12/17/2022, Mr. George Simon - Anthony N Sabga Awards, Caribbean Excellence (ansacaribbeanawards.com)

“Renowned Guyanese archaeologist and artist George Simon passes away,” Stabroek News, 7/16/2020.  Retrieved 12/17/2022, Renowned Guyanese archaeologist and artist George Simon passes away - Stabroek News

“Legendary artist George Simon dies after battle with cancer,” News Room Guyana, 7/16/2020.  Retrieved 12/17/2022, Legendary artist George Simon dies after battle with cancer – News Room Guyana

Photo:  George Simon, 8/21/2012. Permissive Use pursuant to Creative Commons license.