Photos by Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer
LEFT: A mixed-media mask, created from fired clay and tree branches, by Nakazzi Hutchinson.
RIGHT: A group of children enjoy themselves while creating their own works of art at the Liguanea Festival of Fine Art and Photography, held last Sunday, at Liguanea Plaza.
Michael Robinson, Gleaner Writer
LIGUANEA WAS abuzz last Sunday as creators and lovers of art alike converged on the fifth staging of the Liguanea Festival of Fine Art and Photography. The one-day event, held in the Old Hope Road parking lot of Liguanea Plaza, was a veritable smorgasbord of contemporary Jamaican art.
Sculpture, photography, pottery, painting, jewellery, ceramics and mixed-media work were all part of the impressive display featuring over 70 artists.
Experienced artists such as Phillip Supersad, Donnette Zacca, Gene Pearson and Kay Sullivan displayed alongside artists like Rachel Wade, Nakazzi Hutchinson and Kahlil Francis, with fewer years under their belts. Visitors walked from booth to booth with avid interest, making the most of the opportunity to talk to the actual creators of work usually seen in galleries.
Positive attitude
For their part, the artists were positive about the festival. For some, it meant showing their work to a wider audience, some of whom have never set foot into a gallery or studio. For others, it meant the opportunity to network and forge valuable links within the art community.
Ireko Baker, whose speciality is the ancient Chinese art of silk painting, considers the festival "a very good idea".
"The reality," said Ireko, sitting thoughtfully as his creations billowed gently around him, "is that part of earning as a professional artist is the strength of your reputation." He says the festival is an excellent chance for the public to get to know artists and vice-versa, thereby bolstering the value of the art produced over the long term.
Here and there, small gatherings materialised in front of different booths. Conversation seemed to be the order of the day.
Cleve Bowen, who currently has pieces on display at the National Gallery of Jamaica in Curator's Eye, was selling T-shirts - not prints - at his booth. The multifaceted artist has been creating one-of-a-kind tees for just over a year now, employing some interesting printing techniques. Bowen's line garnered much interest; his booth drew a constant flow of traffic as customers searched for their favourite designs.
Different perspective of Jamaica
Relative newcomer, Neil Williams, showcased his photographs, some of which are digitally enhanced. Neil's photos, through colour, perspective and choice of subject, make Jamaica look like a different planet. His innovative website, aroundjamaica.com, has virtual reality movies of his work, giving online visitors panoramic three-dimensional views of Jamaica through one artist's eyes.
Visitors to the event appeared quite content. Drummers played under a tent, while folks shopped, chatted or grabbed something to eat. Food booths, including tasty vegetarian fare from ViHope restaurant, provided well-needed sustenance on a hot day. Meanwhile, the kids got their bodies painted or had fun at the interactive arts and craft booth, where they could draw, paint or make their own ceramic pieces. There was no shortage of happy youngsters.
"I'm overwhelmed," says Simone Pearson, a first-timer to the event, "There's just so much good stuff here. It really should be more than just one day." Others echo similar sentiments. How could so much creative talent be properly absorbed in one day?
Veteran painter, sculptor
From the hauntingly enigmatic work of veteran painter and sculptor Christopher Gonzales to the latest experimental offerings from Kacey Ferguson, who had a mounted ceramic mask covered in intricately rendered surreal imagery, the variety seemed endless. With sublime photography from Zacca, whose solo show opens at the Mutual Gallery next week, to the bold wood carvings of Fitz Mitchell, there was something to suit everyone.
Organised by the proprietors of Liguanea Drug and Garden Centre, the annual festival may not be the only one of its kind in Jamaica, but it certainly is the biggest. The event, billed to last 10 hours, was well received, as evidenced by the steady stream of patrons lasting well into the evening when there was a noticeable surge in attendance.
Jamaica can only benefit from more events that celebrate creativity, foster positivity and are just good clean fun. Our youths need exposure to career options presented by intelligent role models who have created their own jobs. Studies have proven that exposure to art encourages creativity in other areas, such as problem-solving and conflict resolution. If the organisers ever chose to make it a two- or three-day festival, the move would be welcome. It is apparent there is a vibrant art community here eager to come out and support.
And a good dose of art might be just what this country needs.
