Alisia Jarrett finds art in healing
First Jamaican to showcase in Ao5 Gallery in Texas
Published:Friday | June 21, 2024 | 12:06 AMKrysta Anderson/Staff Reporter
Patterns of spirituality, abstraction, intuition, creative expression and vibrancy perfectly encapsulate Alisia Jarrett’s awakening through the wonderful world of art. After using her canvas to tell stories three years ago, her journey became a catalyst for self-discovery, growth and healing. Recently, she became the first Jamaican artist to showcase her work at Ao5 Gallery in Austin, Texas, in the United States.
“Being the sole Jamaican artist showcased in the gallery was a profound honour. My work was the centrepiece of the show, and it was truly a humbling and surreal experience. It reinforced the significance of my art and my role as a representative of Jamaican talent in the international art world,” the artist behind Khulula Art told Living.
Thrilled that the art director selected her to be featured in the two-hour cocktail and art exhibition, the show, dubbed Nishati Nzuri (Good Energy) was inspired by one of her paintings.
“After about three months of coordination, the intimate evening, which featured cocktails, art buyers and of course, art, was a success. Today, my pieces proudly reside at the largest contemporary art gallery marking a remarkable milestone in my artistic journey.”
Jarrett was first introduced to the largest contemporary art gallery through her family friends Kevin Moore and his wife, Trudi. They had moved to Austin and stumbled upon an art gallery.
Amazed by the artwork on display, the couple immediately thought about their friend and convinced her to see her worth when it comes to her work. “They were convinced that my art deserved to be showcased in the gallery. So, I sent a few paintings to Texas from New York,” she revealed.
Thereafter, the art director was so impressed with Jarrett’s work and began expressing an interest in hosting an exhibition for her art. “I prepared a total of 21 pieces for the exhibition. Initially, I sent 11 paintings to Texas, and later prepared an additional 10 pieces over the course of three months to ensure they met the gallery’s standards,” she shared.
Noting that it was difficult to choose a favourite piece, she could admit that ‘Mbinguni (Celestial)’ holds a special place in her heart.
“This piece embodies the essence of our celestial nature, connecting us to the vast expanse of the galaxy and the infinite love that permeates it. It represents our journey of self-discovery, release, and transformation, as we shed old patterns and beliefs, and embrace new knowledge and perspectives, travelling through the cosmos as star beings, united in the galactic federation,” the artist explained.
A standout among Jarrett’s artwork is the dot technique, which has profound significance.“It began from my early days of painting African masks. Initially, I used white dots to decorate the faces of the masks. I realised that the dotting was not only visually appealing, but also had a calming effect on me. It is a meditative and therapeutic experience that allows me to enter a state of flow and relaxation.”
The best part of the process is the anticipation of the final stages of my paintings, “When I get to add the dots, which I believe transforms my artwork into a symbol of serenity and mindfulness.”
The feedback she received was phenomenal. With the privilege of engaging with art students, and art buyers, the reviews were both humbling and deeply moving. “Many were able to intuitively grasp the emotions and themes I aimed to convey through my art, while others shared personal connections and interpretations that resonated with me,” she said, adding, “The outpouring of praise and appreciation was overwhelming, bringing me to tears throughout the evening. It was a truly surreal and unforgettable experience, one that I’ll always treasure.”
Backed by unwavering support from her immediate family and social media following, she hopes to have more opportunities to produce moving pieces. “My artistic journey is deeply rooted in my spiritual path, which is a constant source of motivation. When I paint, I’m by myself and I engage in conversations with myself. These self-talks are enlightening and nurtures my self-love. There’s no better motivation than self love.”