- Andrew Smith/Photography Editor
Young Jarvis Dawkins views his winning artworks at the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's National Fine Arts Exhibition at Shortwood Teacher's College in St. Andrew.
Georgia Hemmings, Staff Reporter
AN 11-YEAR OLD first-time entrant walked way with the top prize awarded this year in the National Fine Arts competition organised by the Jamaica Cultural development Commission (JCDC).
With obvious joy and elation, Jarvis Dawkins of Trinityville Primary School in St. Thomas collected the sole silver medal awarded in the competition for his entry Family in the printmaking category.
He also received a bronze medal for another print titled Dancers, ending an exciting evening for him at the opening of the joint visual arts exhibition last Tuesday at the Shortwood Teachers' College auditorium in St. Andrew.
Speaking to The Sunday Gleaner later, in the company of his father, step-mother and step-brother, a shy Jarvis revealed that he has been painting since the age of five, and has maintained a deep interest in art. He hopes to become an artist or an art teacher.
Young Dawkins was one of three 11-year-olds who received medals this year in the youth categories, the others being Peighton Williams and Kenneth Perkins. William's entry was a underwater collage titled Clean Waters, while Perkins submitted Mother and Child in printmaking.
Sixteen-year-old Tamara Cousins of Seaforth High School also collected a bronze medal for her painting (Orchid Surprise).
Ms. Cousins is no stranger to art competitions and has other awards to her credit. This is her second consecutive year as an entrant and awardee in the Festival Fine Arts competition.
The judges in their report praised the youth for their interest: "Sixty-one per cent of the entries this year are in the youth category. This is no doubt a reflection of the contribution of dedicated art teachers. Parents, teachers and established artists need to continuously encourage and support these youngsters in their pursuit of excellence in the visual arts, as they are going to be our future professionals."
The report was delivered by educator Queenie Nembhard-Morris on behalf of the five-man panel which included ceramicist Phillip Supersad (chief judge), Verona Barnes (lecturer at Shortwood Teachers' College), art historian Petrina Dacres, and painter Israel Delmonte.
Among the adults, the judges awarded a bronze medal to amateur painter Gregory Brown (Moments Alone 11), while professional artist Rohan Woodhouse collected two bronzes (Laas Trip, Naw Go Back and What More Must I do Lord?). Professional printmaker Andy Jeferson was awarded a bronze for his entry, Cultural Diversity.
CERTIFICATES OF MERIT
While not receiving medals, sculptor Austin Campbell and Nosbourne were awarded certificates of merit for works in the professional sculpture category.
The judges revealed that 214 entries were received from 108 artists. From this number, the sole silver, eight bronzes and 46 certificates of merit were awarded, representing 26 per cent of the total number of entries.
"This small percentage underscores the fact that the standard and variety of work must be improved," Mrs. Nembhard-Morris stated. "More attention must be given to aesthetics of composition. The judges found little variety in choice of subject matter, especially in drawing among the youths. Entrants need to be more creative and imaginative when giving titles to their works."
She was hard-hitting in her criticism of the under-representation in areas such as sculpture, ceramics, leather craft and fibre arts.
"Is this a reflection of a lack of involvement in these areas? What about our manipulative skills are they under-developed or under-utilised?" she questioned. "If so, we need to recognise the importance of fibre, leather and three-dimensional works and their place in promoting and creating a balance in visual arts. Creativity should not be reflected only in drawing and painting, but also in the utilisation of the other media and techniques."
The exhibition will continue at the Shortwood Teachers' College auditorium until August 5. Viewing hours are Monday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
