The Jamaican Consulate in New York celebrated some of the country’s most talented at an exhibit in Manhattan on March 31. The “Literary Salon, Jewelry, and Art Exhibit” highlighted the artwork, literature, and designs from Jamaican authors, artists, and designers, as part of honoring Jamaica’s 55th year of independence.
Annually, the consulate lauds an aspect of their country’s history, and this year wanted to emphasize the craftier side of Jamaican people, said one of the organizers of the salon.
“Our Literary Salon, Jewelry and Art Exhibit was an occasion to boldly showcase Jamaican creatives in arts, culture and literature,” said Sandraine Gordon, community relations officer at the consulate. “Every year is a tremendous opportunity to celebrate a milestone and pride in our country and our people.”
At the event were various creators, which included poet Staceyann Chin, artist Victor Bloise, and New York City College of Technology professor and artist Winston Huggins, who presented about seven of his original artworks at the exhibit. He said his island nation was home to many influential pioneers, and the exhibit, giving recognition to emerging creators sets room for more.
“Jamaica is one of the largest exporters of talent, music, and culture, and only those who see the invisible can do the impossible,” said Huggins. “The event really further showcases the creativity of the Jamaican culture, because visual art is one of the oldest history’s in the Caribbean.”
Other creators were jewelry designer Gianna Fakhourie, authors Tilsa Wright, Dr. Karlene Richardson, and Dionne Peart, and drummer Jeremiah McFarlane.
Gordon said they were particularly chosen to spotlight working artists trying to get their names out there, and their unique originality.
“Each of them caught our attention in different ways, Victor Bloise, for example, is an extraordinary talent whose art was displayed on the Brooklyn Bridge some years ago — while Dr. Winston Huggins, also talented and is an art professor who offers inexpensive art workshops through his optimal art and EZPAL portable art studio.”
