- Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer
French ambassador, Pierre-Antoine Berniard, pins the "Arts et Lettres" medal to the lapel of Gilou Bauer, curator of the Mutual Gallery and Art Centre, who was honoured by the French Embassy for her contribution to Jamaican art, and the promotion of Franch-Jamaican cultural co-operation.
Georgia Hemmings, Staff Reporter
CURATOR AND director of the Mutual Gallery and Art Centre, Gilou Bauer, was honoured last Tuesday (October 28) by the French Embassy in Jamaica for "significant contributions to the arts and literature in Jamaica and to the Franco-Jamaican cultural co-operation."
She was conferred with the prestigious "'Ordre des Arts et Lettres" decoration by Ambassador, Pierre-Antoine Berniard, at a reception held at the French Embassy on Hillcrest Avenue in Kingston. The "Arts et Lettres" order was established in 1957 to honour French nationals and foreigners who have distinguished themselves in the artistic field or literary world.
As explained by Ambassador Berniard, it is awarded by the French Minister of Culture, and represents "France's recognition of eminent contributors in the arts and literature."
He further stated that, over the past 30 years, Mrs. Bauer had "contributed to the promotion of arts in Jamaica and internationally, as well as to the cultural co-operation between our two countries."
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Alternating between French and English for the benefit of his audience, the Ambassador detailed Mrs. Bauer's accomplishments, which began after her arrival in Jamaica, with the teaching of French at Hillel Academy and Alliance Francaise.
Later, when she moved to western Jamaica, she founded a branch of Alliance Francaise in Montego Bay, and opened the Bay Gallery, a starting point of her involvement with Jamaican art. Today, she is curator of the Mutual Gallery, which was taken over by a group of art lovers following the financial demise of its original patron, the Jamaica Mutual Life Assurance Society.
"Over the years, Mrs. Bauer has contributed to strengthening the links between France and Jamaica, ever since this Embassy was established in Kingston in 1962," the ambassador disclosed. He pointed to the educational exhibitions hosted by the gallery, the "Under-40 Artist of the Year" competition initiated by Mrs. Bauer in 2000, and the exchange programme established with the Pont Aven School of Art in Brittany, France, since last year.
"This year again, a third-year student of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts is the recipient of the Pont Aven award," the French diplomat said.
PARTICIPATED IN ART FESTIVALS
He explained that the French-born art patron had participated in different art festivals organised by the National Gallery of Jamaica, and, more recently, facilitated the inclusion of work by the 2001 "Under-40 Artist of the Year" in the travelling exhibition titled "Museum of the Arts of the Americas". That exhibition is now permanently based in Martinique.
As he affixed the medal to her lapel, Ambassador Berniard declared: "Your long-term engagement in favour of Jamaican art is appreciated by the artists and the cultural authorities of this country who wish to preserve the authenticity of their richness and recognise the necessity of a cultural diversity in the globalised world today."
Overwhelmed with emotion, Mrs. Bauer replied first in French, and later translated for the small gathering of friends and acquaintances (mostly from artistic circles) who witnessed the event.
"I thank you, Ambassador, for this honour and the recognition of my work. And I am glad for the support given by the Embassy to a French national who has lived in Jamaica far longer than I have lived in France," she said. "I accept this award with humility, pride and joy - humility to do the work of God, pride in being recognised by my country of origin, and joy, as we all need encouragement at times."
She dedicated the award to her late father ("who would have been proud of me") and the artists of Jamaica, and pledged to continue her work with Jamaican artists. She explained that "Doors opened in Kingston when I needed a new challenge. It was for a reason, and I feel the best is still to come. Thanks for encouraging me and for this award."
Among those in attendance were Gleaner Honour awardeee, Dr. David Boxer, Petrona Morrison of the National Gallery of Jamaica; Martha Corbett-Baugh, representing the Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture; artists Norma Harrack, P. J. Stewart and Marguerite Curtin; Nerissa Braimbridge (who journeyed in from New York); businessman Tony Lyn and wife, Sandra, (who travelled from Montego Bay); Angella Defreitas; Pierre Lemaire, president of Alliance Francaise, and spouse, Carme.
Representing Mutual Gallery were directors Sharon Lake, Mr. and Mrs Wayne Chen, Mr and Mrs. Edgerton Wynter and Mr. and Mrs. Archibald Campbell.
Among the Embassy staff were Head of Chancery, Soad Swar El Dahad; cultural counsellor, Jerome Dubois-Mercent, and attache Raoul Feliho, among others. Later, guests were entertained by musical offerings from artist/tutor Cecil Cooper (himself an accomplished singer) and German singer, Nastassja Nass, part of an entertainment package arranged by Debbie Schorlemmer, who was present at the reception.
