- Photo by Jeffrey Marshall
Barrington Watson kisses Meredith Hypolite Derby, curator of CROTA Art Gallery in front of little-known work 'Joan Akbar, 1958' at the recent official launch of 'Caribbean Gems', at CROTA Art Gallery.
AN EVENING of elegance awaited some 60 persons who came out to support the opening of 'Caribbean Gems', and the reintroduction of the Jamaica Art Foundation, held at the Cross Roads to The Americas (CROTA) Art Gallery, 20 Tucker Avenue, on Monday evening.
In his address Senator Anthony Johnson spoke of his delight with the initiative taken by the unique CROTA gallery in networking artists, while focusing on exposing and developing the many areas of art. He held the listeners spellbound as he revealed the history and hidden mysteries of the little known work 'Joan Akbar' done by Barrington Watson in his earlier years. It was the first time this piece with million-dollar price tag was being shown in a public space.
CROTA is a concept developed to expose aspects of culture from the Americas, primarily through exhibitions, seminars and workshops. In furtherance of this concept, the management seeks also to promote and develop local and regional artists with emphasis on visual arts in the global market.
WELL-RECEIVED
The exhibition was well-received, despite its non-traditional setting. The patrons were treated to a variety of spicy soups, fruits and rolls prepared by Curacao native Meredith Hypolite Derby.
This served to tantalise the palate and prepare them for the upcoming brunches being planned for the gallery. Among the 23 artists were veteran photographer Howard Moo Young and painter Barrington Watson. Other artists included Kathryn Wheeler and ceramist Phillip Supersad; multi-skilled painters Michael Robinson, Peter Clough, Carl Lewis and Peter Johnson who specialises in stone sculpting were also on the show.
Mr. Errol Harvey displayed his dancing as well as photographic skills.
The gallery is located just one stop away from the main road to the Norman Manley International Airport; it caters to serious collectors as well as tourists who must have a special piece of Jamaica to take back home.
The exhibition runs daily through to December 23.
