By Georgia Hemmings, Staff Reporter
'Drummer Boy' by multiple gold medal awardee,
photographer Owen Minott
VIEWING THE works in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's (JCDC) Festival commemorative exhibition at the Mutual Gallery and Art Centre in New Kingston is like taking a walk down memory lane.
Some 50 selections by well-known Jamaican photographers and artists are on show gold medal pieces from past photographic and fine arts exhibitions organised by the JCDC.
So names of photographers like Janos Beyer, Trevor McKain, Owen Minott, Jeffrey Carlyle, Howard Moo Young, Warren Robinson, Monica da Silva, Donnette Zacca, Robert Paisley, and William Potopsingh are readily recalled, alongside artists Lois Lake-Sherwood, Susam Alexander, Donito Davis, Andy Jefferson, Vivienne Logan, Webster Campbell, and George Rodney.
Over the years, the two contests have been used to promote artistic talent unearthed by the JCDC from every corner of the island, and several outstanding Jamaican artists and photographers have had initial exposure through these competitions.
The show is divided unobtrusively into two sections and, among the photographs, it was refreshing to see 'Fairy Tale Entrance' by Trevor McKain, which won a gold medal in 1994. Shrouded vegetation and mist, the piece hints at mystery and secrecy. A geologist by profession, Mr. McKain was awarded his first gold medal in 1988, the first year he entered the Festival competition. He has won many medals since.
Donnette Zacca showed 'Sunday Morning (1993), while Owen Minott featured a 'Boy with Straw Hat' (1968), 'Drummer Boy' and 'V.A. Grant' (2000).
Other earlier memorable works included Monica DaSilva's 'Loading Up (1987) and 'Scot & Tigger' (1983); Howard Moo Young's 'Redemption Song' (1982) and 'One Love' (1982); Dr. Warren Robinson's 'Jade' (1983) and 'Asparagus Fern' (1983), and Edwin Besterman's 'The Hover'(1998).
A little bird's 'Hairdo' won for Robert Paiseley the top photographer award in 1999. It was the sole gold medal awarded that year and it was a slide photograph of a crowned crane.
In more recent times, one is reminded of 'Canopy' by Christopher Rose which captured a gold in 2000; and 'Trails' by William Potopsingh in 2002.
In the fine arts section, Susan Alexander's 'Flower Sisters' (1975) was the earliest recipient, followed by a pencil drawing of 'Bob Marley' (1982) by Carlton Lewis.
Two large paintings by Webster Campbell command immediate attention. 'Mi nah go fi no more water' (1987) poignantly depicted a country girl's rebelliousness, frustration and tiredness, down to minor details of teary eyes, torn clothing, and rusted Berger paint pan. It was awarded a gold medal in 1987. The second, 'Scenes from Allside Trelawny', won a gold in 2002.
'Generation Gap' (1984)
by Michael Brooks won a
gold in the portraiture section, while his 'Mona Common Evening' (1987) showed the beauty of an avenue of pink poui trees in blossom on the Mona campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI).
Multiple gold recipient Lois Lake Sherwood showed 'Vanessa', while Vivienne Logan portrayed her signature style in 'Triple Goddess Birth, growth and death' and 'Midnight in Bloom' (2002). The latter work was actually awarded a silver medal in the professional painting section in that year's competition.
From recent competitions come 'Changes' (2001) by Michelle Gauntlett and three mono-prints by Andy Jefferson 'A ray of hope' (2001), 'Stress is a Factor' (2002), and 'Swinging Chicks' (2002).
Outside of painting, there was only one sculpture 'The Family' (1998) by Donito Davis and one ceramic work ('Copper Glamour/2001') by Leonia McKoy.
And this might be one of the weaknesses of the commemorative exhibition that few artistic categories are represented. Surely gold medals were awarded over the years for drawings, collages, ceramics, fibre art and others. Whatever happened to them?
Could it be that the JCDC has not maintained any archival database over the 40 years of organising Festival competitions? Too many of the pieces in the current exhibition are from contemporary times, with few from the earlier years.
The concept of a commemorative exhibition is good, and we commend the JCDC for this inaugural show, and even suggest that the display could be extended beyond the Festival and Independence season.
But we urge the Commission to start gathering more outstanding pieces (perhaps, earlier and more diligently) for a stronger exhibition next year.
