Here is the second part of my extended conversation with the Jamaican painter Phillip Thomas (part I can be found here), in which he talks about his work and issues and interests that have influenced him, and on which he has strong and at times very provocative views. It is long but well worth reading... Continue Reading →
Talking Back: Visual Conversations about Sexual Abuse
The Edna Manley College, where I teach, has been in the news recently with allegations of sexual harassment. Here is not the place to comment on that particular instance but it is widely recognized that it is part of a much bigger problem in Jamaica, that affects many, if not all public and private sector... Continue Reading →
In the Trenches: On Being the Subject of Hostile Art Works
There is a long and not always auspicious history of artists using their work to retaliate against critics and other personal enemies. One famous example is the King Minos figure in Michelangelo's Last Judgement (1535-1541) fresco in the Sistine Chapel, which was very controversial at the time of its creation (and on several occasions after),... Continue Reading →
From the Archives: “Big Bamboo” and the Politics of Space in Fern Gully
Here is a second excerpt, on a more controversial subject and with some minor edits, from my chapter on art and tourism in my doctoral dissertation "Between Nation and Market: Art and Society in 20th Century Jamaica" (2011, Emory University). The first post can be found here. I have not been back to Fern... Continue Reading →
From the Archives: Dangerously Close to Tourist Art
I have not posted as often as I'd like recently, even though I have several new posts working on, as I have been bogged down with project and publication deadlines (and a nasty bout of flu) - not complaining about anything, except for the latter. So instead of a new post, I am presenting another... Continue Reading →
Kapo and the Father of Spirulina
Some time ago, while doing some leisurely online research, I came across a lengthy and most curious Wikipedia entry, which you can read here. The Wikipedia entry is on Christopher Hills, who was one of the owners of the Hills Art Gallery, along with his wife Norah, formerly Deputy Headmistress at Wolmer's High School for... Continue Reading →