Michael Robinson, Gleaner Writer

'Straight Up' by Neil Williams (giclée print).

An oasis of a nook in a bustling commercial centre happens to be one of the places to catch the work of young artistic talent these days. Eye-catching pieces by Katrina Coombs, Kori Solomon, Elpedio Robinson, Neil Williams and Leopold Barnes are currently on display at Bookophilia in Liguanea, St Andrew.

Kori Solomon's 'Bleaching' is a heavily textured look at physical transformation which focuses on the detrimental effects of what has become a cultural phenomenon. The darkly hued piece sits beside 'Dermatillomania', another giclée print by the artist exploring similar themes.

Organic fabric

Katrina Coombs has a wall to herself, covered with organic fabric and wire shapes that give the passage the intimate air of a small cave or womb. Titles like 'Lady Blue' and 'Earth Dancer' explain the airy movement captured by this body of work. Neil Williams' photos start out with interesting perspectives of Jamaica then, through digital manipulation, take the scene to an almost surreal place where colour gains poignancy and emotion. 'Palisadoes Blues - Crashing Waves' turns the sunset into a visual poem.

With this assortment of giclées and original paintings from Robinson and Barnes, Bookophilia sounds more like an art gallery than a bookstore. But, rest assured, there is a wide and interesting selection for those who actually come to get reading material.

Bookophilia

Bookophilia is a six-month-old bookstore that looks like a café and feels like a boutique. Owner Andrea Dempster said the idea is to promote creativity in different forms. She believes the venue allows for the exposure of artists to people who might not make it to a gallery. It also enhances the experience for visitors to a store that boasts a snack bar and kiddie corner as well as serene pockets of space for reading.

Bleaching (giclée print) by Kori Solomon. - Michael Robinson photos