Michael Robinson, Gleaner Writer

MORE THAN 200 pieces of work make this year's National Biennial the biggest since the show started out as the Annual National Exhibition in 1977. Launched last Sunday at the National Gallery of Jamaica (NGJ), the exhibition remains the premier event of its kind on the local scene.

In 2001, the decision to hold the exhibition every two years was taken in order to enhance the strength of the collection of work and to give prospective participants ample time to prepare. The following year marked the inauguration of an exhibition that has grown significantly in volume and strength over four stagings. This year, the exhibit showcases offerings from 49 jury-selected artists and more than 50 invitees, including 2007 and 2008 Musgrave medallists Phillip Supersad (ceramic sculpture) and Howard Moo Young (photography).

The expansive exhibition occupies most of the gallery's 25,000 square feet and contains an interesting mix from relative newcomers all the way to the experienced masters. Traditional disciplines like painting, drawing, photography, ceramics and sculpture share space with more experimental works, some of which defy categorisation. Some of the artists are exhibiting at the NGJ for the first time, while others are exhibiting there for the first time in many years. Formally trained as well as self-taught artists are represented by pieces ranging in size from several centimetres high to mural-sized.

Overwhelming though it may seem, the exhibition is an adventure in aesthetics. Some of the pieces challenge our ideas about society, about self and about art itself. Other creations inspire awe and an appreciation for craftsmanship. Individually, the works are strong and well executed; as a whole, the display is powerfully bold.

Simply viewing the entire exhibition could take hours. Lunchtime visitors, be warned. The experience, however, is an unparalleled look at a hugely diverse cross section of contemporary Jamaican art. It is an impressive display of the creative output of a small country that has already created for itself a disproportionate presence on the world stage.