The Visual Arts School at Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts has launched its 50th anniversary publication, documenting the work of 50 of the school's most recognised graduates.
The publication, titled Fifty Years, Fifty Artists, also chronicles the growth and development of visual arts in Jamaica.
It was edited by Petrine Archer-Shaw and also highlights the evolution of art at Edna Manley since 1950, from its offerings in painting, sculpture, ceramics, jewellery, graphic arts, photography, textile, art education and print-making.
The book features the best work of recognised graduates such as Basil Watson, Winston Patrick and Laura Facey, the work of famous Jamaican artists such as founder of the school and sculptor, Edna Manley, ceramist Cecil Baugh and sculptor Christopher Gonzales. There are also essays from art aficionados such as Senator Dr. Ossie Harding.
On presenting the book to Education and Culture Minister, Senator Burchell Whiteman, Mrs. Archer-Shaw said the 50 graduates featured in the book were persons who "have managed to stay the course in their work.
"It is the first book that allows the artists to say what they are doing and how they go about it," she explained, adding that it was excellent research material for students taking Art in the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) tests.
Dean of the School of the Visual Arts, Hope Brooks, noted that the book, published by Ian Randle Publishers, was now available at the College, but would soon be distributed to the general public through book stores.
Senator Whiteman lauded the publication as an important record of the country's history through art. "It represents a part of Jamaica's culture which is important to the psychological well being of the nation," he added.
The Minister said it also documented the growth and changes at the Visual Arts School over half-a-century and the role the school played in harnessing the talents of artists in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.
