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  YardEdge's Karin Wilson-Edmonds recently went on a JCE tour. This is what she had to say. This past Saturday, I ventured out with a group of art enthusiasts on the inaugural Kingston Art Trek- our mission, to visit a cross-section of Kingston’s galleries. The creation of Jamaica Cultural Enterprises (JCE), a new tour company specializing in cultural tours of Jamaica, the Kingston Art Trek is designed to expose participants to a wide range of local art and artists. It also turned out to be an education on the history and landmarks of Kingston, as well as a great opportunity to meet fellow art aficionados! JCE’s Karen Hutchinson was an excellent tour guide, highly knowledgeable on local art and on Kingston’s history and highlights. She expertly guided us around the various galleries, while simultaneously trying to keep us on schedule- not an easy task with so much to see! We visited a total of six galleries, three downtown and three uptown, including Emancipation Park in New Kingston, Revolution Gallery, the National Gallery of Jamaica, Studio 174, Roktowa Gallery, Heather Sutherland Wade’s gallery and Grosvenor Galleries. A comfortable bus kept us from worrying about traffic and parking and allowed us to focus on the sights and sounds around us. We began the day at 10 am sharp with coffee at Emancipation Park, where we viewed Laura Facey-Cooper’s Redemption Song, which although we’re all quite used to now caused quite a stir when it was originally unveiled. Read full article here. Stella Maris Remembers the Professor 10/24/2010
 Writer/Dancer Nicole Bain Nicole Bain gives us her critique on the latest latest performance of the Stella Maris Dance Ensemble Last weekend, the Stella Maris Dance Ensemble presented its 17th season of dance in dedication to the memory of former Artistic Director of the NDTC, the late Professor the Hon. Rex Nettleford. It featured two of his works and four others choreographed by Abeldo 'Tokie' Gonzales and Dr. Monika Lawrence, Artistic Director of Stella Maris; both were former dancers with the NDTC. The evening opened with “Dis Poem”, choreographed in 1989 by Nettleford and remounted by D’Roi Rose. In the first section the dancers, clad in light grey sweat suits with red, green and gold stripes emblazoned across their chests, moved militantly to the spoken word of Mutabaruka.   They danced the frustrations of a race of people denied the right to exist freely, effectively brought across by Nettleford’s use of stark, clipped movement, and the dancers’ emotiveness. In the second section, soloist Gavin Hart gave a solid and committed performance. The piece ended with a hopeful final movement which was strong, jubilant and fluid, marred only by the occasional overdone facial expression from one or two of the performers. Next up was the new work ‘Supernova’ by Abeldo ‘Tokie’ Gonzales. This was an ambitious number in concept but fell somewhat short in execution. The piece opened with an athletic solo, danced brilliantly by Kamar Tucker. However the strong build up was quickly followed by a visually overwhelming mass of dancers moving through the space and struggling to keep up with the pace of the choreography. When working with a large group, clean lines, synchronicity and attention to the nuances of the music are a must for effective communication, and unfortunately in this piece these elements needed refining. However there were some spectacular moments, such as the forming of a human trampoline which released Mr Tucker into the air like an exploding star - the supernova. Also interesting was the choreographer’s melding of gymnastics, contemporary movement and break dancing.  Tribute to Cliff  Black Current  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 Scotchie’s – Kingston’s New Dining Oasis 08/26/2010
 Guest blogger Saran Hutchinson shares with us her thoughts on Scotchie's Restaurant in Kingston.  Scotchie's dining huts surrounded by plants and flowers In the midst of the hustle and bustle of Half Way Tree, on Chelsea Avenue aggressively close to Chelsea Jerk Centre - traditionally considered THE Kingston jerk joint - has blossomed a new buzz worthy dining option. Scotchie’s has come to Town. This much to the great pleasure of those of us who before would yearn for a country outing in part to stop at Scotchie’s and sample their varied offerings. The restaurant had its beginning in Montego Bay, St. James many years ago and from there migrated to Drax Hall, St. Ann. It has gained worldwide recognition, having been featured in numerous television programmes and magazine articles. The now notorious Star Jones, formerly of ABC’s “The View” named the Montego Bay location as one of her favourite dining spots.  Restaurant patron on his way to get his jerk In Kingston, the venue is a well manicured area with flowers and plants which have been thoughtfully chosen it seems, to provide a kind of green retreat in the urban centre and a variation from typical dining in the metropolis. The food is GREAT, though some have commented that it is inconsistent. I was lucky on both my visits to get the pork - or “Arnold” as we Jamaicans like to call it - just in time, and for me the flavour and seasoning were just right. The jerk is authentically spicy, even without the addition of the hot sauce. For some the chicken is a viable option but considering myself a true jerk fan, it would have been unforgivable to pass on the pork. Conch soup, breadfruit, sweet potato, corn, hard dough bread, and festival are also available on the menu and the patrons seem to be coming in droves to feed what can only be described as a Scotchie’s addiction. When I arrived at exactly twelve noon on Saturday afternoon, there were three cars in the parking lot, including mine. By the time I had finished and was leaving, the more than adequate parking area provided was full. Kingstonians are down with the Scotchie’s movement!  Paul, a cook, exposes the chicken for the camera Guest blogger Shelly-Ann Dunkley, founder of ECCO Magazine speaks on why she started ECCO.  When I was first asked to write an account on why I decided to publish a magazine on environmental awareness in Jamaica, I wasn’t sure what to write. I have always loved the outdoors. Growing up in Jamaica causes one to appreciate nature a bit more I believe. With over 300 days of beautiful beach weather what is there not to love? As little children we were allowed to play with friends outside for hours. I remember rolling down the hillside with my cousins when I visited them in Frankfield, Clarendon, playing ‘dung by the riva’, running after ducks and at times being chased by ducks. In high school we would sit on the ground eating our lunches in our immaculate white uniforms that never seemed to get dirty. As a young girl every plum season I would religiously climb “MY” plum tree. I would sit for a bit in the tree eating plums, not because I didn’t want to share (of course not), but to enjoy nature. On trips to Ochi there was nothing more majestic and beautiful than Fern Gully.
This long held appreciation plus my experiences living in the US led to a growing awareness of just how important our natural resources are to a sustainable future for our island. There have been numerous studies done that have shown the impact humans have on the environment. From my perspective it is useless to debate whether Global Warming or Climate Change is in fact happening when there’s clear evidence that humankind is polluting the planet. In Jamaica every day we see garbage thrown in fordings; plastic bottles, plastic bags and other types of refuse line roadways. Some get there with the help of the wind. Some get there by being deliberately thrown. Yet, regardless of how the rubbish gets there, it’s there and something has to be done. We need to educate ourselves and others on the effect this behaviour is having and will continue to have on us and our natural environment for years to come. Our behaviour impacts and pollutes the water, air, ecosystems, marine life and our natural environment. We have to begin to preserve the natural beauty of our ‘land of wood and water’ for our children and our children’s children. Jamaica, Farewell opens to the strains of the Harry Belafonte sung “Jamaica Farewell”, a song that for many conjures up an old Jamaica, an island paradise fair and gentle. The one-woman show written and performed by Debra Ehrhardt was not so gentle in its reminiscing on Jamaica. The play focuses on the story of Debra, a Jamaican born woman who from early childhood entertained the dream of migrating to the United States. The play, which runs for 85 minutes without intermission, is a comical look at her attempts to obtain a visa and her eventual success in leaving Jamaica behind through a series of death defying escapades with the aim of arriving at the wonderful and apparently milk and honey overflowing shores of Miami. Debra Ehrhardt was convincing, the staging of the play was effective, the material was funny enough, even the politics – a clear anti-Manley perspective – was admirable. But, but. Why this obsession with migrating to the United States? Why this devotion to Americana? Loyal Jamaicans may find the play uncomfortable to watch or maybe even objectionable.  Ms. Ehrhardt after Thursday's performance NDTC Review: Rex would have been proud! 08/09/2010
 On August 1, Jamaica celebrated Emancipation Day. On August 6 we celebrated Independence Day. The National Dance Theatre Company performances are part of that celebratory season. Dancer/writer Nicole Bain reviews the Emancipation Day performance. (Photos contributed by NDTC.)  Dancer Chris Walker The National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) continues its season of dance with a suite of offerings from various choreographers including Patrick Earle, Arsenio Andrade-Calderon, Christina Gonzalez and, importantly, former Artistic Director, the late Professor the Honourable Rex Nettleford. The programme performed on August 1 was aptly chosen by Barry Moncrieffe - NDTC icon and Nettleford's successor - to reflect the Emancipation and Independence celebrations. It featured various aspects of the Jamaican historical experience focusing primarily on religion. On Emancipation Day the show opened with Form in Fusion, created by company member Patrick Earle and danced by the company. The new work which explored the traditional folk form Kumina was a wonderful blend of simple movement and intricate floor patterns and shapes which were best seen from the balcony. The female dancers demonstrated a regal beauty as they inched forward, hips swaying almost imperceptibly. Three of them in particular demonstrated great control and concentration as they successfully executed a series of movements including a full split while balancing oil lamps on their heads. At times the company members displayed a trance-like intensity as they moved to the traditional music of the NDTC drummers and singers. For the most part their movement was subtle, dignified and controlled. And then suddenly, with only the slightest musical warning, they would twirl around ecstatically, only to catch themselves and continue on in solemn procession. The costumes were a beautiful addition to this well-crafted piece whose only flaw was that it needed greater synchronicity. A solo excerpt from Professor Nettleford's Islands followed. This was danced by Kevin Moore, clad in full black with a red cloth wrapped around his body which would later become a prop. Mr. Moore possesses the assets of strength and natural flexibility, and danced with a great deal of commitment to the piece; however his execution felt heavy and disjointed in places. As such the solo fell short of its potential. The motivation for the piece was also hard to glean because of its lack of inclusion in the written programme.  L-R: Alaine Grant, Keita-Marie Chamberlain, Natalie Chung, Deborah Powell-Valentino, and Kerry-Ann Henry  L-R: David Blake, Marlon Simms, Marc Hall and Chris Walker Festival Songs - Jamaican Nostalgia 08/09/2010
The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) is to be heartily praised for the wonderful job they are doing promoting Jamaican cultural expression. They are the unit responsible for producing the annual Festival song competition. I would go out on a limb and say 90% of Jamaicans over the age of 25 have a special place in their heart for festival songs. The songs evoke a pleasant nationalism and pride (as they were intended to) that remind many of us of our youth. Congratulations to Kharuso, winner of this year's Festival song contest! JaCulture has compiled a list of our favourite festival songs from back in the day. We hope you enjoy them as we do not only during the Emancipation and Independence Celebrations but all year round. Sumfest Recap 07/25/2010
 Reggae Sumfest took place between July 17 and July 24 this year. If you've never been to Sumfest, you really have missed out on a one of a kind experience. The music, the food, the booths, the characters (hoo boy) all under the open sky. This year's Sumfest featured major Jamaican and international artistes including Shaggy, Tarrus Riley, Etana, Chris Brown, and Usher. We've put together a list of reviews of this year's show for those of you who missed it and for those of you who went but are curious about what others thought. Blogger Annie Paul gives a round up of Sumfest based on tweets of persons who attended. Gleaner reporter Janet Silvera writes on Bounty Killer's performance and his message of change Adrian Frater of the Gleaner reports on Dancehall Night Janet Silvera writes on how the remaining two-thirds of Voice Mail were tearful at the absence of O'neil Edwards on stage Yasmin Peru of Jamaica Observer reports on Chris Brown's performance Richard Johnson of Jamaica Observer writes on Vybz Kartel's performance | 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 |
RSS Feed
