Jamaican Art on Show in Toronto

Works of art from some of Jamaica’s most well-known artists, including the Governor-General’s wife, the Most Hon. Lady Rheima Hall, are now on show in Canada.
The 12-day exhibition, which opened on September 20, at the Arta Gallery in downtown Toronto and will close on October 2, is being staged by the Jamaican Consulate General, in commemoration of Jamaica’s 46th year of Independence.
Called ‘Impulses of the Jamaican Soul’, the exhibition features Jamaican artists, Albert Artwell, Charles Campbell, Philemon Campbell, Thelma Carey-Thompson, Neville Clarke, Cecil Cooper, Karl (Jerry) Craig, Janice Garel, Lady Hall, Norma Harrack, Albert Huie, Patsy Mair, Gene Hendricks Pearson, David Pottinger, George Rodney, Phillip Supersad, Heather Sutherland Wade and Tafui.
Making an appearance at the opening were Governor-General, His Excellency The Most Hon. Professor Sir Kenneth Hall and Lady Hall.
Jamaica’s Consul-General to Toronto, Anne-Marie Bonner, said she was pleased to bring the 36-piece show to a Toronto audience, noting that the exhibition continues the Jamaican tradition of excellence and presents a view from home and abroad.
“It is a perspective that links the past with the present in the context of the changing geographic and social environment. Impulses of the Jamaican Soul is a glimpse of the dynamics of an ever-changing identity of Jamaica and Jamaicans. We celebrate our evolving nationhood with art and through these eyes, we express ourselves and our nation,” she said.
In his remarks, artist Jerry Craig said Jamaica at 46 years is a young nation but a “tallawah nation,” and should be proud of many things.
“Our motto, ‘Out Of Many One People’, also applies to our artists, musicians, writers, dancers and of course, our sprinters,” he said.
The former Director of the Edna Manley School of the Visual and Performing Arts, said all artists are visionaries, with a driving force and an intuitive eye. He commended the organisers for a well planned show.
The sponsors of the exhibition include the Jamaica Tourist Board, Jamaica National Building Society (Toronto office), Portland Holdings, Lasco Group of Companies, Jablum Coffee, Sandals, and GraceKennedy.