Laura-Anne Fung: Young Jamaican Artist 01/13/2011
 Laura-Anne Fung (right) explaining her work. Visual art is one form of creative expression that absolutely has the power to confound. Discussions regarding what is good, or how much art is really worth, can bounce back and forth without going anywhere. At a recent Laura-Anne Fung exhibition, which I attended with a tour group, the discussion turned on the question of value. Fung’s work, though not the most expensive, is definitely not the cheapest. Some thought it outrageous for her, at 18, to even contemplate charging as much as established artists who had been around for decades. The backdrop for our discussion was the recent launch of her exhibition at Grosvenor Galleries. The work on display was bold, exhibiting bright brush strokes; but perhaps equally impressive was the launch itself. The conservative gallery had been tricked out by the addition of a wine bar, a food station with aromatic scents, streams of white cloth accented by tiny disco lights, and a disc jockey. Pretty spectacular for a Jamaican art launch! The decor, the pricing, and the art itself all hinted at a personality worth learning more about. The portrait that emerged of Fung was quite intriguing.
1 Comment  Artists Tricia Gordon-Johnston, Gerard Hanson, and Monique Lofters listening to the speaker On Tuesday, September 7, 2010, the Artist of the Year in the Super Plus Under 40 Competition was announced at Mutual Gallery in Kingston. There were two prizes to be won, one a "public prize" awarded based on public vote. The other a jury prize voted on by a panel of experts. In 2010, for the first time in 10 years, both prizes were won by the same artist, Gerard Hanson. Jamaica Cultural Enterprises was on the scene and took a few photographs. Soon to come: in depth articles on each of the three artists.  Gerard Hanson accepts his award from Diana Thorburn-Chen. Artists Tricia Gordon-Johnston and Monique Lofters look on. Wayne Chen stands in front of Monique Lofters art work.  Gerard Hanson discusses his work with a member of the public  Monique Lofters speaking at the artist talk  Tricia Gordon-Johnston explains the themes in her art  Dollar II by Gerard Hanson | Quote"We refuse to be what you wanted us to be, we are what we are, that's the way it's going to be." - Robert Nesta Marley, 1945 - 1981 ArchivesMay 2012 CategoriesAll |
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