Monday, November 3, 2008

LOOKING AHEAD: There are times when I look back....



YOUNG, GIFTED & BLACK

A newish old space holds a second launch with an exhibition of contemporary art. The curator and director of the space Rozi Chung sees the show as launching the new Jamaican artist. At the same time the show goes back to a time when being rude, loud, raw, smart, clever, informed, playful was what art was about. A time before commercial gallery art shows and artists prizes and slickness. A new, old moment. The show opens on Saturday November 8, 2008 @ 3pm. There will be a mix and expansion of what we call art. Graphic artists, screenwriters, painters, musicians, pop dancers will be part of the opening event. The space may be found at 174 Harbour Street, with its entrance on West Street. Coincidentally it is also a stone's throw away from The National Gallery of Jamaica. We invite you to attend and post comments or images on the experience.

'Studio 174- Press Release

Located at 174 Harbour Street Kingston (Down Town), Studio 174 –home to a collection of young Artists recently graduate from the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, Presents its second opening, titled “ Young Gifted and Black”, with guest speaker Rose Bennett, Attorney at law Slated to commerce at 3.00pm on the 8th of November 2008, the exhibit will represent the dynamic and creative expressions of an empowered group of young Jamaican talent destined to leave the imprints on the Jamaican culture and people. This is defined by their deliberated move from being based in an uptown Artistic Avenue to a venue more directly positioned in Downtown Kingston, the catalyst of new artist dynamism.

The gesture is aimed at creating a hub in which Art influences and is influence by community development, cultural exchange, heritage and tourism embodying an idea more than social intervention bringing a multifaceted approach to building a foundation. It is the hope that with this youthful vision others will be of a mind to initiate similar entrepreneurial feats, fostering new endeavours, found on a revolutionary artistic direction which challenges the stereotypical misconceptions and directions of Art.'

2 comments :

  1. "At the same time the show goes back to a time when being rude, loud, raw, smart, clever, informed, playful was what art was about."

    I was a bit surprised by that claim. Isn't this what art looks like everywhere in the world? Even in Jamaica? Or maybe its what you, or others, are choosing to label as "art"? Not sure. Anyway, I don't think its helpful to position what's happening in Kingston as somehow cutting edge or ahead of its times. People are doing something; that's what matters. I think its important to allow the work to emerge and to be what it is without constantly trapping folks in these categories which seem to kill creativity more than anything else. Just a thought.

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  2. if only the show had been even two or three of that list of things. alas it was most unremarkable...the show at the CAGE gallery consisting of graphic designers and artists was far more interesting.

    i don't even know what to suggest anymore...are so-called artists here looking at what artists in other places are doing? If you are how can you continue to serve up such stale stuff?

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Thanks for taking the time to leave your thoughts.