Art is Not a Crime: Alex Sanker Paints His Legacy

Art has always been a powerful form of self-expression, allowing people to connect, share their stories, and comment on society. This is the passion of Belizean artist Alex Sanker, who is renowned for his political pieces often displayed on the streets of Belize City. In tonight’s episode of Kolcha Tuesday, we explore Sanker’s latest collection inspired by the theme “Art is not a Crime.” Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with the story.

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Alex Sanker is making a bid for the history books. Even if you don’t know his name, you’ve likely seen his work lining Albert Street at the Swing Bridge foot in Belize City. Sanker is an artist known for his bold social and political commentary. His latest collection, “Art is Not a Crime,” pushes boundaries and ventures into areas where others have been hesitant to tread.

 

Alex Sanker, Belizean Painter

“The more people in power in power push and tell me I can’t do this type of painting, I double up. You understand? It’s like smart on the fifteenth and thirtieth. Double up. So my thing is, what this is saying that art is not a crime. Stop treating it like it is because it’s truly not. I am simply, freely expressing myself with the frustration, the corruption, the social injustice. And at the end of the day, my whole legacy, what I want to base on that, that you know what, those that cannot speak or are scared to speak up. I am not Superman,  but I’m definitely somebody making changes to my art. And people know when you talk, tomorrow everybody forget. But when you put it on canvas, yeah, that’s a whole different story. So, I always say this, people are not scared of me, you know. They’re scared of my canvases.”

 

Sanker’s collection mainly features paintings, but he loves to experiment with mixed media, incorporating elements like paper, string, and wood beyond the canvas. One of his favorite pieces right now shows himself as the iconic Christmas character Santa Claus, proudly holding a naughty list that rolls off the canvas. In Sanker’s version, this list includes the names of public figures who have criticized his art. Through this bold act of defiance, he hopes to inspire other artists to use their talents to highlight issues affecting their communities.

 

Alex Sanker

“ I am paving that way for other artists to feel free that you know what, I can express myself. Somebody has to open the door, but not open the door, keep it open. Because the reality is, there was no door open for me. This is not a pity call, it’s a fact. The gate to get in the yard was closed, and I had to kick all these in. So now that everything is open, I hope there’s one artist that chooses to pick up this same type of painting.  After I’m gone, or even presently.”

 

Each painting in Sanker’s collection is one-of-a-kind and usually not for sale. He often keeps his pieces for himself to preserve them. Visitors to his home can see these unique artworks crammed into every corner, showcasing his dedication to his craft.

 

Alex Sanker

“I have so much pieces for myself. That’s why you see me on Albert Street. I could do an exhibit any time of the day. I have certain pieces. I could be broke, broke on his money offer on certain pieces.  Without a dollar in my pocket and I told them it’s not for sale because it’s more important to educate my Belize people. When you see school over and all those kids pass Bridgefoot, whoever is in Belize could confirm on this. There’s kids from Standard one.  to university out there debating these pieces.”

 

While Sanker loves creating pieces with social commentary, he also offers paintings for sale that capture the essence of Belizean life. He explained how he makes his art resonate with buyers, turning them into more than just paintings to hang on a wall.

 

Alex Sanker

“When I post this and I have to say this is owned  by a very delicate customer,  When I post this, he be like, Alex, for right now,  please tell me it’s available. She said, because, you know, as an adult, I used to do this. And when I saw this painting, like every bone in my body turned cold, like, wow.”

 

Sanker’s ultimate goal is to be the voice of the people and to document Belizean history through his art. Despite facing threats from those he’s criticized, he remains steadfast in his mission to create art that speaks to and for the people of Belize. His determination to keep pushing boundaries and addressing important issues is unwavering.

 

Alex Sanker

“They cannot beat me no farther. They beat me so much down. I had hit the rock bottom. You can’t go farther than that. So like I said, Alex Sankar doing all this love for country. All those people are doing wrong by this country. They will have their day. I promise you, we might be wrong or not be around. They’re going to have their day because what happened, people will sell their soul in a second for wealth. And that’s material stuff. And unfortunate without the wealth. You cannot move forward. I would love to have a big museum until that wealth come.  It’s going to happen though. That I could promise you.” 

Britney Gordon for News Five.