The Face of Us, the latest exhibition at the National Gallery of Jamaica (NGJ), is on our list of recommendations for your next trip to Kingston.
According to the NGJ’s blog, “The Face of Us exhibition explores Jamaican identity and social dynamics through the lens of Portraiture – a genre of art that features the likenesses of people, using the human face as a powerful symbol of representation.” Some of the representations are highly immersive e.g. the multimedia installation titled Mosaic: Masculinity on Display by Maurice Hibbert. To experience it you sit in a dark room with video clips jumping on three surrounding walls. In the centre of the room is an intimate tableau of a man’s stripped down dressing area inclusive of a pair of Clark’s shoes, mesh merino, and cologne.
Other representations you may find more heartwarming such as Sunday Best/Church Candy by Shawna Moulton with its church lady depiction complete with the hard sweeties in the handbag.
Thirty-nine artists are featured. The works will engage you in your perception of Jamaican-ness. A visit is highly recommended.
The Face of Us was curated by Monique Barnett-Davidson. The National Gallery of Jamaica is open Tuesdays to Sundays, except for public holidays. Check them out here
The Art and Culture Tour and Sunday Kingston City Tour visit the National Gallery. Check them out here.