A Painting to Fight Injustice

Alex Sanker is arguably one of Belize’s most controversial artists. He paints for a living and his works have been featured at numerous public gatherings. Sanker is also a staple on Albert Street, where he can be seen working in the open. When we caught up with him today at his studio, he introduced us to a piece he is currently working on that features the High Court of Belize. Sanker explained that the turtle in the image represents the speed at which the courts work at times. The rest of the painting speaks for itself.

Alex Sanker

Alex Sanker, Artist

“Injustice in our system is spread countrywide. It doesn’t have to be about corruption, about robbery, etc., just injustice in general. This piece that I am working, just in general now where, nobody is doing what I am doing. And I don’t do it for now reason but for the love of country. So my thing is this piece I am going to be painting live in front of the Supreme Court building Tuesday. I choose Tuesday because the day good when I check it. I want to be out there live painting this to send the message. I just put up a post and say I am at war and weapon of choice is paint brush, pallet, canvas and paint. I do believe my work is changing people’s view and people in this country; it is a fact that are scared to speak up for various reasons. As an artist it is fortunate for me that the constitution actually gives me the right to do this. But I will be honest, if the constitution didn’t say that I have the right to express myself I would still do it. This is who I am.”