Maria Nunes Launches Debut Book: 'In A World Of Their Own'

Port-of-Spain, Trinidad: April 26, 2018: In an event that was equal parts performance art presentation and formal book launch, documentary photographer, Maria Nunes celebrated the debut of her first book, ‘In a World of Their Own: Carnival Dreamers and Makers’ on Tuesday April 24, at Big Black Box, Woodbrook.

The event mirrored the book’s veneration of traditional mas with dramatic presentations of traditional Carnival characters, including Blue Devils, a Fancy Sailor, Indian Mas and Moko Jumbies. Guests were also treated to a live performance from 3 Canal, who were accompanied by Nunes on the guitar, in a beautiful rendition of Andre Tanker’s classic tune, ‘Smokey Joe’. ‘Smokey Joe’ is one of Nunes’ favourite Tanker tunes and served as inspiration for the title of her book.

‘In a World of Their Own’ features stunning photographs captured over Nunes’ decade-long career as a documentary photographer. The images offer a glimpse into the creation and performance of traditional mas from the perspective of the photographer and are complemented by the inclusion of quotes from the dreamers and makers of Carnival themselves.

Nunes, who is widely respected as a pillar of the local art community describes the book as, “a journey through the time and place of Carnival” and explained that the biggest reason behind her desire to publish the book was “to honour the people I have been photographing for the past 10 years”.

It would seem that Nunes has succeeded in this goal. In delivering remarks at the launch, Republic Bank’s Executive Director, Derwin Howell, praised Nunes’ work as a record of both the formative aspects of our cultural heritage and of the immense talent of the person behind the lens.

He added that the Bank’s Power to Make A Difference Programme, was “made for projects like this and for leaders like Maria who possess that ability to form powerful connections within communities with the aim of ensuring the sustainable success of our society.”