Olympia Gallery has opened Curator’s Eye, described as “a dynamic exhibition that extends A. D. Scott’s original vision of Olympia as a vital cultural institution in Jamaica”. The show, which opened on December 11 at 202 Old Hope Road, St Andrew, runs until January 17 and is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“This exhibition title arises as a platform for contemporary Jamaican artists to showcase their work, engage with audiences, and connect with collectors. Drawing inspiration from the National Gallery of Jamaica’s landmark series, Young Talent (1985–2010), which spotlighted the ‘works of new, emerging artists [entering] the Jamaican art scene’, and Curator’s Eye (2004–2008), which emphasised the authority of a single curatorial perspective, the exhibition title is directly borrowed from the latter,” curator Kevarney K.R. told The Gleaner prior to the opening.
“This new edition provides a contemporary platform for Jamaican artists to showcase their work, engage with audiences, and connect with collectors.”
Feedback has been “overwhelmingly positive,” according to Kevarney. “Much praise has been given to the curation, as well as the impressive standard of work from the artists … .Every viewer has a unique favourite, meaning that the works all resonate in different degrees to different people. But, overall, the audience has been very impressed with the vibrancy of colour, the diversity in mediums, and the boldness and inventiveness which exudes the artworks.”
FEATURED ARTISTS
The exhibition features 24 artists, including Garfield Morgan, Christopher Harris, Dwayne Grant, Taj Francis, Richard Nattoo, Zorhia Allen, Shediene Fletcher, Isabel-Marie Thwaites, Kyle Gooden, Sonn Ngai, Kokab-Zohoori Dossa, Janice Reid, Atira Robinson, Akeem Johnson, Chinelle Miller, Gerald Gordon, Justeen Bailey, Kimberley Jones, Kobi B. Bailey, Madison Addington, Patrick Waldemar, Rasleigh Morris and Suzanna Missenberger, Madison Addington, Patrick Waldemar, Rasleigh Morris, and Suzanna Missenberger.
“All 24 artists were selected because I am a fan of their respective practices. I am very familiar with the artists’ works, having followed some of them closely for years and seeing their artistic development. I believe each artist featured in this exhibition adds their own nuanced expression and experiences to the contemporary Jamaican art space and are deserving of being platformed,” Kevarney K.R, a prolific artist, said.
“This show is different from those previously held at The Olympia Gallery because of its specific ethos of spotlighting emerging Jamaican artists. What makes this exhibition special is how in touch it is with the contemporary Jamaican visual arts zeitgeist, curated by, and showcasing works from, young, fresh, Jamaican creatives.”
He told The Gleaner that it is crucial that younger artists be given a platform to showcase their works, because this provides a well-needed base of support for their artistic development. Younger artists, he said, desperately need the resources with which to create new works, and the spaces in which to showcase them to an audience. “By showcasing works from emerging artists, ‘Curator’s Eye’ adds to the continuity and evolution of Jamaica’s visual arts culture,” he shared.
“My only intention in curating this show is to create a platform to showcase the creative expressions of my peers, whom I am so inspired by. At the end of the show, I would like to have accomplished creating a memorable and fulfilling experience that my creative community would have enjoyed.”