amjamin

Taino Heritage by Norma Rodney-Harrack Taking a cue from Ralph Waldo Emerson, who once said, “Make your own Bible. Select and collect all the words and sentences that in all your readings have been to you like the blast of a trumpet.” ’Tis a journey embracing the supreme being in its forms and manifestations. A mosaic of multicultural entities, Jamaica is home to as many denominations and beliefs, some potently evident, others subtle ­ like a spice mix, which exudes aromas and flavours of the island. ‘Explorations II: Religion and Spirituality’ seeks to explore those diversities, laying before creative conversations, expressions and interpretations of the two entities that are sacredly intertwined. “The series explores major themes in Jamaican art, and in the National Art Collection,” informed O’Neil Lawrence, senior curator at the National Gallery of Jamaica. “It aims to engage, in new, more exploratory ways with the artistic and cultural history of Jamaica.” Ancestral...

“This is when the earthquake struck,” Captain Peter Gordon said, pointing at an artist’s rendition of 1692 earthquake at Port Royal capturing the chaos, destruction and the high waves that started to engulf the city. A tsunami of thoughts and scenes hit one’s mind, a flashback from the now quiet, serene façade of Fort Charles to an era where fables surrounding Port Royal, labelled as ‘wickedest’ place on earth, where one-eyed, one-legged pirates roamed, rum and silver flowed as freely as the waves of the Caribbean Sea surrounding it, romanticised notoriety in all its glory. Preserved in Fort Charles, Port Royal, are the remains and artefacts, which were excavated from the ruins, a collection that stands as a testimony to the richest city in the western hemisphere. The National Museum Jamaica-operated museum, housed in the fort, showcases items, which weaved those intriguing tales, and most of the items preserved in the glass showcases, speak of the vibrancy and diversity of...

With beats emanating from every corner of the island, music is as much a part of the character of Jamaica as the pristine beaches, the vast expanse of the turquoise seas and the delectable food. Among the strolling, suitcase-lugging transit passengers, varied hues and aroma of the Duty Free shops and the usual hustle and bustle at the departure lounge of Kingston's Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) is a serene space that speaks volumes of Jamaican music. Visualising 50 Years of Jamaican Popular Music, showcases the diversity of Jamaica's musical genre dating back to the 19th century from the emergence of Mento to the 20th century sounds of Nyabinghi drums. The space at the lounge, transformed into a Jamaican musical time capsule, also captures other popular Jamaican music to include ska, rock steady, dub, reggae and dancehall. The space, according to the Institute of Jamaica, which is one of the partners of this exhibition, aims to engage the memorie...

On an October afternoon, as the sun played hide and seek among the clouds, the shadows of the Georgian façades stretched and contracted like a time lapse video - the Spanish Town Square sat enclosed in a time warp as the world whizzed past. Home to Jamaica's finest historical buildings, the brick-and-mortar structures stand testimony to an opulent, sophisticated era that was a turning point in history. The King's House in the People's Museum of Craft and Technology holds a treasure chest of artefacts. "The exhibit celebrates the great creativity, industry and self-reliance of the newly freed Jamaicans," said Johnathan Greenland, director of the National Museum Jamaica. The items showcasing the people's transition from slavery and struggling to building a life of self-reliance and freedom while paving the path for future generations. The exhibits in the museum assume as much historical and archival value as the building in which they are hous...

“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...

"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...

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...

Think of India and a myriad of visions flash across one’s mind ­ Taj Mahal, the immortal love story etched in marble, the vibrant colours, the ‘curry’ and, of course, Bollywood (the choreographed song-and-dance sequences replete with gyrating actresses in their finery). Take a time travel to 1845. On May 12, a group of East Indian indentured labourers ­ laden with frugal belongings ­ in awe and dazed by their journey across time zones to a land tucked in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, landed at Old Harbour Bay, St Catherine.   With them, the Indians brought their traditions and way of life, which, 167 years down the line, are standing still in a time warp and possibly restricted to a generation. “Unfortunately,” said David Stimpson, curator, Museums of History and Ethnography, Institute of Jamaica (IOJ), “the Jamaican art consists of a wide spectrum of practices and specialisation and we have limited information on the Indian influence (in the arts).” GLI...