amjamin

"People from different parts of the world can respond to the same story if it says something to them about their own history and their own experience," said Nigerian author Chinua Achebe. A small fable from his homeland is being etched in a section of the African Caribbean Institute of Jamaica in downtown Kingston. It's a story of the African nation's rich history, the artefacts reminiscent of the tribal rituals, prehistoric caricatures, culture and usage. "Jamaica has inherited a lot from other cultures, particularly the African culture," said Maxine Watson, librarian at the African Caribbean Institute of Jamaica/Jamaica Memory Bank. "The commonalties can be seen in the food, dance, music, and even some of our beliefs and proverbs," Watson continued. "The exhibition captures symbols of Nigerian cultural retention in Jamaica, specifically the Ettu people of Westmoreland and the Naggo of Hanover." The exhibition, 'Uneart...

Life, it is said, comes in hues, brings perspectives and is a continuous journey of self-discovery. Walking into the circular bamboo tabernacle, the thatched roof, mud floor at the Institute of Jamaica (IOJ), Kingston, one is transported into such a voyage of revelation. The temple of the Most High begins with the body which houses our life, the essence of our existence, Emperor Haile Selassie I once said - the tabernacle encapsulating and resonating his voice. The tabernacle, like a focal point, was being set up with other artefacts, as the stage was being set for an exhibition on the culture of Rastafari. "It (the exhibition) aims to educate the Jamaican and international community on Rastafari, which is an important aspect of our cultural heritage," said Makebe Trott, assistant curator at IOJ. "Among areas explored are the revelations of Rastafari, the philosophy and evolution of the Rastafari movement, as well as a historical review of the tribu...

A piece of art is never a finished work. It answers a question, which has been asked, and asks a new question, says American sculptor Robert Engman. As an artist, the creative thought process is never-ending, exploring beyond the unfathomed, exploring off the beaten path and accentuating the society they live in. Exhibiting their creative acumen, the final year bachelor of fine arts and diploma programme students of the School of the Visual Arts, Edna Manley College, focused the spotlight on the contemporary Jamaican society. For 33 young artists, some thought-provoking conversations have been etched, queries painted and issues highlighted - from female sexuality and equality, to exploring ethnography or the app-mad world. The overcast May skies of Kingston and the occasional downpour were not going to be a damper, instead, the rains soaked and enhanced the creative essence of the exhibits. A walk through the exhibits was a journey, unveiling characters, colours and genr...