PM Hails Master Painter Barrington Watson as one of the Most Influential Artistic Figures in Jamaica

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller is expressing sadness at the passing of Master Painter Professor the Honourable Barrington Watson, CD, OJ. In statement on January 27, 2016, the Prime Minister hailed Professor Watson as one of the most influential artistic figures in post-independent Jamaica, who has created an esteemed body of work that captures Jamaica’s essence, heritage and culture with maturity and excellence.

Following studies in London, Watson returned to Jamaica in 1962 and since then has devoted his life to lifting the profile of Jamaican art and artists through his various dedicated efforts. In this regard, the Prime Minister commended Professor Watson for his impactful contribution to art education in the country. “Professor Watson devoted his life to the exploration, creation, facilitation and study of art. He has made an indelible impact on the evolution of Jamaican art. He will be sadly missed but his extraordinary work will live on in the psyche of our nation,” Mrs. Simpson Miller expressed.

In 2012, the National Gallery staged a notable exhibition of Professor Watson’s catalogue dubbed “A Retrospective” which included paintings and works on paper from the 1950s. His extraordinary talent and contribution were also duly recognised with accolades including the Institute of Jamaica’s Gold Musgrave Medal and the Order of Jamaica.

The Prime Minister has expressed condolences to the family and friends of the late Master Painter.