HARMONY, AN exhibition
of paintings by G. Lutalo Makonzi, will open at the
Mutual Gallery in partnership with
Grace Kennedy, Life of Jamaica, Sangster's Liqueurs, Securicor and Carreras on Tuesday, August 31, at 7:00 p.m. Guest speaker will be Mr. Ibo Cooper, head of Popular Music Studies at the Edna Manley College for the Visual and Performing Arts and co-founder
of the internationally renowned band Third World.
The collection of paintings on show is inspired by the artist's African cultural heritage where music is an important part of everyday life. Makonzi is from Uganda and has made Jamaica his home since 1976. Traditionally, all the rituals were accompanied by music: Ceremonies of baptism, initiation ceremonies, the
rituals of marriage, the commemoration of the dead. Music is played during sports to inspire the players, especially during games like wrestling. After
winning there is a special tribute to the winner. Makonzi relates these images from the subliminal consciousness of his mind, his rich palette of bright hues, evocative of his training in stained glass,
is reminiscent of the patterns
of African clothing.
CREATIVITY
Music and painting have always been a part of Makonzi's world. To satisfy his yearning for creativity, Makonzi entered the University of East Africa (now Makerere University) in Kampala from which he graduated with First Class Honours with a Diploma in Fine Arts in 1968. He also studied stained glass at Nsambya Convent, Kampala. Shortly
after he was awarded a British Council scholarship to study ceramics at the
Royal College of Art in London where
he pursued a master's degree in Industrial Ceramics and Design.
Several of his larger works are owned by the Ugandan Government, the Makerere University, the Catholic Church in Nsambya, the National Gallery of Jamaica and the Bob Marley Museum. The exhibition will continue until 17 September 2004. The public is invited to the opening. Gallery hours are Mondays to Fridays 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
