Anthea McGibbon, Gleaner Writer

Silverware reflects the rich Jamaican heritage at the Antiques and Collectibles Fair. - Anthea McGibbon Photo

Two shows which opened last weekend presented good opportunities for art enthusiasts to gather treasures for Christmas.

On Thursday, the Art Centre Gallery, Olympia, Old Hope Road, hosted a collective show of fine art masters in an informal social setting, while on Sunday, the Antiques Committee had its 15th Antiques and Collectibles Fair, at Campion College.

The elastic definitions of antiques and collectibles evolved sometime in the 1830s. According to Baltimore antique dealer, Michael Rannigan, 'antiques' loosely describe old items existing after the period of its mass production, but older than 100 years. 'Collectibles' on the other hand, refer to anything considered valuable, but less than 100 years old. Paintings, manufactured and hand-crafted products of historical significance fall within this category.

Snatching The Best Pieces

As early as 6:00 p.m. on November 16, patrons were filing into the Art Centre Gallery to snatch the best pieces of displayed paintings, sculpture and ceramics.

However, once inside, they were more effectively arrested by social conversation. A few patrons who spoke with The Sunday Gleaner were somewhat disappointed, but appreciative of the wide variety of artists, painting and collage styles.

The show could easily be labelled a commercial show for Christmas, as its focus was seemingly more on making seasonal sales rather than on promoting fine art.

At least 20 Jamaican masters were highlighted, but some of the works were not illustrative of their known detailed skill. Perhaps owing to the long-standing affair of Jamaican artists with the expressionism art style.

The value of most of the pieces centered on the artists who created them rather than on the actual rendering of them.

Stronger Works

The abstracts and smaller impressionist pieces were evidently the stronger ones, repeatedly magnetising their viewers. Notably interesting was an untitled piece by Patrick Waldermar placed to the right of the largest executed work (of a fish). The piece rendered in acrylic on canvas could be interpreted as an abstract expression of passage. On close examination, the piece captures the movement of water through a valley of closely stacked boulders. The application of colours, however, is used to further distort the image, which is further overlaid by three outlined squares joined in a window-pane effect.

Largely figurative, the show departed from the traditional emphasis on landscapes, popularly expected of local shows. Accordingly, art educator and participating artist, Cecil Cooper, observed the re-emergence of still life.

His piece, 'Desire', was among the better-rendered works technically, and portrays effectively the sexual appeal of the Jamaican woman.

Other popular eye-catchers were George Rodney (abstracts), Gene Pearson O.D. (ceramic-sculpted Nubian heads and mask), Ann Ventura (portraits).

The show seemed to be an art experimentation as noted by some otherwise buyers and investors. Aside from the lack of attention to detail and content, there was hardly any pronounced philosophy offered in the pieces overall. The Gallery also failed to note that the ceramics sculptures, moulded to perfection by Gene Pearson O.D. were fine art. They were displayed and described as mere craft.

Some of the attendees spoke well candidly with the Sunday Gleaner about their favourites.

For Lisa Lackhan-Chen, the most exceptional piece was the untitled work by Patrick Waldermar. She also favoured the few small landscape pieces on display.

First art gallery

John Hills, son of Christopher Hills, early pioneer who started Jamaica's first art gallery "Hills Galleries" (representing over 200 artists) was at the show, on a short visit from his Hawaiian residence. Mr. Hills was pleased to see the evolving range and spontaneity of Jamaican art.

However in making comparisons with the heyday of the 50s and 60s, he also expressed the view that there was need for more social commentary by artists.

The strength of the show was in the vibrancy of colours and variety of artists, whose efforts must not be underplayed. There was a slight imbalance in the execution of the show in terms of the placement and labelling of pieces, and the rooms were poorly lit.

Nonetheless, the attendees had a good time as the Gallery's staff, worked relentlessly to ensure everyone was well fed and comfortable milling around.

The tremendous skills of Jamaican artisans over the past 350 years especially in furniture design and cabinet making were made manifest among the 37 exhibitors at Sunday's annual Antiques and Collectibles Fair. From crafted turtle shell items, to silverware the items were more than prized junk thrown away by elderly folk.

International cultures

The pieces, mostly locally sourced included chinaware, small carvings, paintings, embroidery, stamps, and coins, were reflective of the international cultures influencing Jamaican lifestyle and heritage from as early as the mid-17th century. Additionally, items from brass and pewter narrated the activities and the significance of Jamaican legacies spanning to the visual arts.

One could only imagine having to heat a heavy cordless iron on a charcoal to prepare white starched garments. The iron was smaller in design then, but as valuable as its modern-day counterpart.

China sets from Jamaica Worchester company and linen from the Jamaica Welfare Days were among the takings. Interestingly, there was nothing evident of the Spanish-Colonial period. Co-founder of the fair's committee explained to the Sunday Gleaner that "Spanish bricks are perhaps the only remnants from that under-developed period".

Lorna Chang and AndrLatty's booth emphasised the craftsmanship of local furniture makers and had beds and tables as their most prized items. The antique fair partner, Wayne Nasralla along with other dealers, portrayed the interesting past of Jamaica's economic fortunes and skills with a wide range of antiques and collectibles.

Book-restoration services

Offering special binding and book-restoration services for antique and rare books was art college graduate Miriam Robinson-Hinds and her team from J.A.D Binders. In her section patrons were educated in the old-style, hand-sewing binding methods.

The show proved to be an educating and entertaining experience, and met its objective of "preserving our heritage, informing new collectors," outlined by Ainsley Henriques.

- Anthea McGibbon, a graduate of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts has over 10 years experience in the fields of visual arts and journalism. Send your feedback to islandartattack@yahoo.co.uk or anthea.mcgibbon@gleanerjm.com.