Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter
Allison Iton (left) and Michele Moseley-Jones admire one of the paintings at the opening of the Carl Abrahams memorial exhibition at the National Gallery of Jamaica, Kingston on Sunday, May 29. - ANDREW SMITH/PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR
JAMAICA'S MASTER painter, who passed away in April was remembered at the launch of an exhibit of his works at the National Gallery of Jamaica on Sunday, May 29. Art enthusiasts, family and friends of the deceased came to see the artwork; some of the pieces being viewed for the first time. Most of the works were from the private cache of collectors.
There were three tributes to Abrahams, from three men who knew him in different capacities. His nephew Anthony Abrahams spoke of a man who was considered by some family as idle and lazy because all he wanted to do was draw. He opined that his uncle never priced his works as he should have but rather wanted as many persons as possible to have a piece of his art.
AN ARTISTIC GENIUS
His friend Wayne Gallimore, an avid art collector, spoke of Abrahams in the latter years of his life. He recalled that though ailing physically, he never lost his artistic touch. Even when acrylic paint started to affect his sinuses, Abrahams switched to water colours to continue his art. Gallimore called him an artistic genius and few would disagree.
Finally, his friend and colleague Dr. David Boxer briefly touched on some of Abraham's work including two of his favourites "The Man Of Sorrows" and "The Grief of Mary" which he deliberately placed opposite each other at one section of the gallery.
A DEEPLY RELIGIOUS PERSON
At the end, all three men gave an audience, some of whom never had the chance to meet Abrahams personally, a greater insight into who he was and what drove him. Abrahams was a deeply religious person, and this was evident in many of his work.
Guests peered intently at the various works of Abrahams and for those who weren't as adept at his prowess, they saw the range of his artistic talents. The exhibit goes until June 9.
