Nat’l Gallery of Jamaica marks Heritage Week

As part of events to mark Heritage Month celebrations, The National Gallery of Jamaica (NGJ), a division of the Institute of Jamaica (IoJ), will be further focusing its theme as Reflections of Our Heritage: Art, Identity, and Legacy, a series of events that will span three days from Tuesday, October 15 through to Thursday, October 17. This commemorative week will include two talks as well as tours at 12 Ocean Boulevard..

In a release the NGT noted further, “As we embrace and reflect on Jamaican heritage during this week, we focus on the importance of oral traditions as well as the visual aspects of our rich musical culture. The NGJ has invited two artists, Matthew McCarthy and Richard Nattoo, who were featured in our recent 50th Anniversary exhibition, Continuity, to discuss these topics. The artists, whose works and processes are steeped in culture and storytelling, will speak to local culture and its relation to their art practice.

On Tuesday, persons were invited to engage with renowned Jamaican artist Richard Nattoo, in a session titled ‘Storytelling by the Artist Nattoo’, as he shared stories behind his work, focusing on themes of ancestry, folklore, international reach and the oral traditions that have been a vital part of Jamaican culture.

Featured activity for the week include:

• Vinyl Art Story with Matthew McCarthy – Wednesday, October 16 at 1 pm: Matthew McCarthy, whose work often explores Jamaican music, will conduct a session on the art of vinyl design. He will share his journey and the significance of vinyl art in Jamaican culture, especially its ties to the island’s vibrant music scene.

• Complementary Guided Tours – Thursday, October 17 at 10 am, 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.: The National Gallery of Jamaica will have guided tours of its Galleries. Our expert guides will provide insights into the exhibitions, linking the artworks to Jamaican heritage and culture. This tour will deepen guests’ understanding of how art captures the essence of Jamaica’s cultural identity and history. Tours are one hour long.

• Persons are also invited to join the exploration of Jamaican heritage through art and art practices. This series of events are at no charge and are open to the public.