- Contributed
Escoffery's delicate renderings of women evoke a myriad of artistic influences.

Gordon Williams, Gleaner Writer

WASHINGTON DC:

Cool, dark autumn days and heightened security alerts make the power seat of the United States here less appealing these days for visitors. But, a rich exhibition of Jamaican art is offering a charming lure to the United States capital.

More than a dozen Jamaicans are displaying works in a variety of media at the Art Museum of the Americas as part of "New Possessions: Jamaican Artists in the U.S.", which offers a refreshing view of talent spawned in the island, inspired by the nation's emergence through Independence, 44 years ago, and blended with modern-day experiences to produce a sobering, yet delightful entrée of imagination and creativity.

"I think it's beautiful," said Elaine Carwin, a Jamaican currently living in Belgium, who visited the exhibition recently after being told about it by American friend, Jacqueline Voorhees. "I love the paintings, the colours. It's so vibrant."

Close to 50 pieces, ranging from paintings in watercolours and oil, to quilts and creations using wood, burlap, rope and plaster, underline the challenges the artists have embraced - and the expert way in which they have delivered. If the escape from colonial rule is the theme of the exhibition - which opened in early August to mark Jamaica's Independence - then the draw on the island's African heritage is stamped all over it as well.

"I think it is marvellous," said Voorhees, who describes herself as an art collector, who acquired many works from Rwanda, Nigeria and Mali during her stint there as an employee of the U.S. Department of State. "I've seen a great deal of African art and you can see the roots in all this."

Priceless

The exhibition, a collaboration of the Organisation of American States and the Embassy of Jamaica, is more than just bright colours. It is a priceless look at Jamaica's soul. Split over two levels of the museum, it makes a bold statement that Jamaicans have found a way to release their spirit to become a force of their own in a way only they can create.

"I do what I want on my own terms," said Peter Wayne Lewis in the video clip interview shown on a monitor inside the museum, which allows the artists to discuss their backgrounds and inspirations. "There is a way Jamaicans move in the world and people see it, feel it."

His contribution to the exhibition, oil on linen works, "exhibits the ease with which he composes by dropping lines of paint, thick, think, curvy and jagged, onto a stark white canvas", according to the bio posted at his and each artist's display.

But more intriguing than the unique nature of Jamaicans is the reason they acquired that quality.

"We had to survive all these experiences," explains Carl Neita in the clip. "It's how do you take the many things thrust at you and create your own art."

"I think we are still steeped in the traditional culture," added Bryan McFarlane, "but gradually we are coming out of it."

"Coming out of it" for some of the artists meant migrating, physically and spiritually, from the confines that is Jamaica. Jamaica now, according to ambassador to the U.S. Gordon Shirley, is at the forefront of the whole melting pot movement across the globe, and has been for a long time. The evidence is provided by the artists.

"Jamaica is a true leader in art," said Carwin. "It has a special beauty you don't find in other places."

Well, maybe, for at least through October 29, it can be found in a little corner of Washington D.C., not far from the famous monuments that celebrate America's rise to superpower status and all the rollercoaster days that generates. That's where Eglon Daley's large paintings using acrylic on canvas "act like enormous snapshots of everyday life in a Maroon town in Jamaica", according to his bio; and Albert Chong's collection of photo images juxtaposed with mementos, haunt viewers with their own memories of family long gone. Or lift your spirits by embracing the virbrant spirit of Bernard Hoyes's brightly coloured, rhythmic celebration of dance and the African ritual scene.

Longtime museum security officer, Juan C. Dyarzun, said 40-50 persons a day have come to view 'New Possessions', more on weekends. So, although Michael Escoffery's sexy woman oil on paper says "Shh," the word of Jamaica's fine artistic talents has long been out.

Participating artists: Albert Chong, Anna Ruth Henriques, Bernard Hoyes, Bryan McFarlane, Kofi Kayiga, Peter Wayne Lewis, Karl Jerry Craig, Kaye Hanna, Keith Morrison, Michael Escoffery, Carl Neita, Donnette Cooper, Eglon Daly, Helen Elliott, and Yasmin Spiro.

Gordon Williams is a Jamaican journalist based in the United States.