Minister Grange lauds David Boxer on his 70th Birthday

Renowned Jamaican artist, Dr David Boxer, on the occasion of his 70th birthday, was lauded by the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport,   The Honourable Olivia Grange,  as an extraordinary and prolific artist who, for many years, fostered  global knowledge and appreciation of Jamaican art,  as Curator of the National Gallery of Jamaica.

Speaking at the celebratory event titled ‘The Seventh Decade’ which was held at Seaview Fine Art Gallery in Kingston on Thursday, March 17 (2016), the Minister said “His love of Jamaican art, his confidence in the Jamaican artist and in the environment that produced that art, was among the factors responsible for our country positioning itself at the forefront of the world art movement.  We recall the words of National Hero, Marcus Mosiah Garvey that spoke to the need for Jamaica to take her rightful place in the world, and show ourselves to be equal in all areas of industry, art, politics and commerce.  David Boxer’s role in positioning Jamaican art within that vision is what we celebrate tonight.”

Minister Grange added that it was undeniable that much debt of gratitude was owed to Dr. Boxer “as many of us will assert that we learnt appreciation of Jamaican and world art through the lens and enduring, sometimes impatient, tutelage of David Boxer.”

Minister Grange further highlighted the role Dr. Boxer played during his tenure at the National Gallery, where he helped to hone a reputation for excellence.  This, she said, encouraged many students of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts to dream of exhibiting at the Gallery, and also situated that institution among the world’s national galleries.

 “For me, it is a distinct honour and pleasure to share with his family and friends in celebrating the 70th birthday of one of the distinguished icons of Jamaican and Caribbean art – David Boxer. Jamaica wishes to say thanks to David Boxer for his work, worth and substance.”

She noted that, among his outstanding contribution to national life was ensuring that Jamaicans were able to interact with other renowned Jamaican artists whose works are exhibited in the National Gallery, including Edna Manley, Karl Abrahams, Osmond Watson, Barrington Watson, Mallica “Kapo” Reynolds, and many others.