Hoyes (left) with 'Spiritual Climax'. (right)

Brian Bonitto, Acting Entertainment Editor

Bernard Hoyes had a concern during a visit to Jamaica in the 1970s. The Jamaica-born painter noticed that the country's Revivalist movement was dying.

The numbers of turban-clad congregants, once substantial and vibrant, were quickly fading, while drums of the deeply rooted African religion were being overwhelmed by electronic instruments.

The US-based Hoyes was devastated, so he decided to take matters into his hands. He put paint to canvas in a bid to 'document' one of his homeland's most revered traditions.

"I decided to do an exposé on how I remembered it ...this was about 1982," the 57-year-old Hoyes told The Sunday Gleaner. "I had to express it in art."

With his passion and paintbrush, Hoyes embarked on his pilgrimage of 'preservation'. His cause has not gone unnoticed. Today, his inspired creations decorate the walls of many African-American celebrities, including talk show queen Oprah Winfrey, eight-time Grammy winner Natalie Cole, and comedians/actors Steve Harvey and Keenan 'Ivory' Wayans. For the artist, this brings a sense of accomplishment and relief.

"This is vindication of what I was doing," said Hoyes, a graduate of California College of Art and Craft. He added that the fact that these influential persons have collected his work means they have made a 'connection' with their African roots.

"The African-American community identified with my paintings," he said.

Essence of the people

Hoyes explained that what makes his works unique is that he brings to life the essence of his people. "I capture what makes our people strong ... our African religious roots," he said. "It's not just about church or religion, but rather African culture and its contribution ... it's one of survival and spirituality," he added.

Hoyes pointed out that some collectors have used his paintings as inspiration to rise above turbulent times. "Richard Pryor, at one point his life was going through turmoil ... He saw my paintings and said 'I need to have some of those around me'," Hoyes said.

"The year Natalie Cole did Unforgettable she bought a painting to commemorate it," he recalled.

Pryor is one of the most influential figures in modern comedy. Cole, daughter of legendary singer Nat King Cole, recorded Unforgettable ... With Love in 1991. The album sold over seven million copies and won several Grammys, including Album of the Year.

Hoyes' exposure to 'the movement' began as a child in Rae Town, St Andrew. "I was raised by my grandmother and she had a revival church in her backyard," he said. "I have an intimate knowledge of the subject."

The artist remembers his grandmother as a strong revivalist woman who sought spiritual direction from the pages of the Holy Scriptures. This, he felt, prepared him for his 'chosen' assignment.

Devoid of crosses

Hoyes, who migrated in 1966 at age 15 to join his father in New York, was quick to point out though that while his paintings depict strength of spirituality and communal worship, they are devoid of crosses and Bibles.

"I use strong primary colours to express purity of spirit and reverence," he said.

As for his other local influences, Hoyes pointed to Edna Manley, Albert Huie, Barrington Watson and David Pottinger, as well as his contemporaries Christopher Gonzales, Gene Pearson and Milton George.

He also holds the late revivalist preacher, sculptor and painter Mallica 'Kapo' Reynolds in high regard.

"He's an icon. I did a couple of paintings of him just before he died," Hoyes said of the west Kingston spiritual leader, who died in 1989.

Hoyes had some advice for budding artists. "Go with your roots ... something that moves you and that you know thoroughly," he said.

brian.bonitto@gleanerjm.com.