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Showing posts from September, 2013

Utech's Centre For Arts - Harnessing Creative Pursuits

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                                      Opposites attract, it is often said, a statement that might be a perfect fit to the marriage of the limitless creativity with the precision of technology. It might sound like a complex formulation, but, as chief creative officer at Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios, John Lasseter sums it, this is where "the art challenges the technology, and the technology inspires the art". The Centre for Arts (CFA) at the University of Technology (UTech), St Andrew, sits in the heart of the campus, a convergence of fine arts and culture with the sciences. "This (centre) is a kaleidoscope of music, dance, drama, drumming, steel pan, instrumental band, and visual arts," says Janice Lindsay, director at the Centre for the Arts. Add caption "The facility," Lindsay continues, "Has developed into a fusion between technology and art." This effervescent confluence is dotted in the sculptu

National hero’s homecoming

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“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots,” said Marcus Mosiah Garvey ­ epitomised as the pioneer of Black Nationalism and Pan-African movement etched his name in the leaves of history. Garvey’s legacy is etched in 76 King Street, Kingston ­ which is no ordinary address. It is the home to Liberty Hall, the former headquarters of the Kingston Division of the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League (UNIA-ACL), and a hotbed of activity. Fully owned and operated by blacks, Liberty Hall hosted plays, concerts, dances, elocution pieces as well as adult and children’s choirs. A new dimension has been added to this vibrant, historical location, which is now home to The Marcus Garvey: The Centennial Travelling Exhibition. “The exhibition,” said Donna McFarlane, director/curator of Liberty Hall, “was launched for the first time in Jamaica on August 17, 2013 ­ the 126th birthday anniversary of Mar

UWI's treasure trove

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Replicas of Taino ceramic pieces from Cuba. Replicas of Taino ceramic pieces from Cuba. What would you call a space that houses more than 170 pieces of art? A gallery? A museum? Or an art aficionado's sprawling villa? The answer: none of the above. What if one said that these artefacts sit in a library? Visitors would rarely notice - as they lug their journals, laptops and reading material to study or sift through catalogues and books to research - that a library is more than a book bank. The Mona Library at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona campus, is the abode of pieces of art that are both steeped in history and a convergence of cultures from across the world. Sculpture by Unknown Artist sits in UWI Library "We have a wide collection of art in the library," informed Frances Salmon, head, West Indies and Special Collection. "This not only adds to the aesthetic appeal, but is, in a way, showcasing the works of art from different co

Rooted outside tradition

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"Be the change that you wish to see in the world," said Mahatma Gandhi, Indian freedom fighter, apostle of peace. In his words, the change, begins from within, ten young artists are taking the step, to break stereotype, experiment and query. Displayed at the The National Gallery of Jamaica (NGJ) at New Roots: 10 Emerging Artists exhibition, the artists are out to make a bold statement, jumping out the box and breaking the proverbial glass ceiling. NCJ, in a bid to support and attract new and emerging talent has organised this exhibition. "The gallery is excited to unveil a show that will surprise, challenge and hearten the arts community and broader society," said Veerle Poupeye, executive director of NGJ. The exhibition features work by Deborah Anzinger, Varun Baker, Camille Chedda, Gisele Gardner, The Girl and the Magpie, Matthew McCarthy, Olivia McGilchrist, Astro Saulter, Nile Saulter and Ikem Smith. A walk through the exhi