Jamaican art will take a prominent role during Miami Art Week and Soul Basel 2024, scheduled from December 2-8, 2024. Through groundbreaking exhibitions and featured artists, the island’s rich cultural heritage and contemporary creativity will be celebrated on the global stage. Artists such as Phillip Thomas and Basil Watson are among the key figures showcasing the breadth and depth of Jamaica’s artistic voice.
“Jamaica on My Mind: Aliveness and Livity” Exhibition
A centerpiece of the celebrations, the “Jamaica on My Mind: Aliveness and Livity” exhibition will be held at Ten North Group’s Art of Transformation in Opa-locka. Curated by renowned artist Phillip Thomas, this immersive showcase explores the themes of vitality and cultural resonance, reflecting on Jamaica’s distinctive spirit and its place in global art.
The exhibition features works by Jamaican artists from the island and the diaspora as part of a broader exploration of “Black Aliveness and the Aesthetics of Being.” Key events include a Jamaican Heritage Cocktail Reception on December 6 and an artist panel discussion on December 7, where experts will discuss Jamaica’s evolving art scene and its international impact.
Phillip Thomas: Challenging Narratives Through Art
Kingston-born artist Phillip Thomas brings a thoughtful perspective to the exhibition, drawing from his deep exploration of post-colonial Caribbean identity. A graduate of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts and the New York Academy of Art, Thomas combines classical European techniques with unconventional materials like tar and bauxite to create works that challenge traditional norms.
Through his art, Thomas interrogates themes of class, multiculturalism, and history, offering viewers a space to reflect on the intersections of Jamaica’s cultural past and present. His curatorial leadership in this exhibition underscores his commitment to elevating Jamaican art within the global context.
Basil Watson at Point Comfort Art Fair + Show
In Historic Overtown, the Point Comfort Art Fair + Show, a cornerstone of Soul Basel, will feature the striking sculptures of Basil Watson. Known for his ability to convey human stories through dynamic forms, Watson’s work aligns with the event’s 2024 theme, Ubuntu, or “I am because we are.”
Watson’s celebrated sculptures, including tributes to Jamaican icons Merlene Ottey and Herb McKenley, capture the essence of resilience and cultural pride. His international acclaim, marked by works like the National Windrush Monument in London and the John Lewis statue in Decatur, Georgia, further underscores his ability to connect historical narratives with contemporary themes.
Art of Black: Amplifying the Diaspora
Complementing these exhibitions is Art of Black, a year-round initiative celebrating the creativity of the African Diaspora. Jamaican artists are central to this platform, contributing to murals, panel discussions, and collaborative events across Miami neighborhoods like Little Haiti and Overtown.
These events not only showcase the talent within the Jamaican community but also emphasize the broader impact of Black artistry in shaping cultural conversations worldwide.
Jamaica’s Artistic Legacy on Display
The presence of Jamaican artists at Miami Art Week and Soul Basel 2024 highlights the island’s unique contributions to the art world. From Phillip Thomas’s innovative visual storytelling to Basil Watson’s powerful sculptures, these events celebrate Jamaica’s rich artistic heritage and contemporary creativity.
For those attending, this is a chance to experience the vibrancy of Jamaican culture, as its art takes center stage and continues to resonate globally.
Cover Image : Phillip Thomas’s The Barber Shop 2023 triptych courtesy of artist
