Art in the Dancehall: Where Jamaican Art and Music Meet
Art is the darling offspring of Jamaican dancehall and sound system culture, in Art in the Dancehall, which opened Saturday night at Echo Park’s Subliminal Projects. An eager crowd overflowed down the block waiting to get in to the gallery for both the art and a live performance by musical guest, DJ Tom Chasteen from Dub Club.
Curated by Al Fingers and Shimmy Shimmy, the exhibit is an exuberant celebration of dancehall illustration and design from 1979 to the present, translating this exciting musical world into dynamic and vibrant graphic images.
One of the earlier artists represented is Wilfred Limonious, whose powerful figurative illustrations graced the covers of albums like Gregory Isaacs’ Midnight Confidential (1995) – which depicts two figures facing each other in a restricted palette of blue, red and brown. Lining one wall of the gallery are detailed character studies by Ellen G, in a series of limited edition giclee print portraits of dancehall luminaries, including Elephant Man (2010) and Buju Banton (2010).
Among the few original paintings in this exhibit are the acrylic on paper works by Robin Clare, one of the younger artists who has kept this tradition going. Primarily text driven, with tiny figures worked into the design, Clare repeats words across the frame like, Dip and Come Up, Parachute and Butterfly, signifying dancehall moves.
Vivid black and white images by Gabe, like Life Sweet (2012) and Overcome (2012) incorporate text and rows of repeated graphic motifs, their patterns reflecting reggae iconography. Bright, vibrant zine illustrations by Peter Edwards, like No Ice Cream Sound 1, (2011) portray figures dancing in an island scene, a bright yellow sky in the background. Edwards’ illustrations have been featured on album covers, comic books, and posters.
Daniel David Freeman‘s original embroidery adds another layer to this collection, with his colorful textured works, Mr. Mention (2012) and Stamina Daddy (2012)
A fun survey with high visual impact and focused historical significance, Art in the Dancehall ducuments the unique visual dimension of this engaging music and dance form.
Robin Clare, Signal Di Plane and Pon Di River (2011) Acrylic on Paper
Gabe, Overcome (2012) Archival giclee print (edition of 30)
My Lord Sound, husband of Ellen G, one of the featured artists
Wilfred Luminous detail from Yellowman Walking Jewellery Store ((Power House) (1985) Archival giclee print (edition of 50)
Shepard Fairey, artist and Subliminal Projects co-founder, in front of two Tony McDermott illustrations
Crowd at opening reception, Art in the Dancehall
Walking art – Malcolm Stuart at the opening reception
Jewelry designer Natalia Gold, hip hop artist/producer Shane Eli and pop singer Lala Romero at the opening reception
Daniel David Freeman, recreation of original suit worn by Buju Banton
Top Image: Tony McDermott, Cover illustration for the Gregory Isaacs album, Midnight Confidential (Greensleeves), (1995) Archival giclee print
Text and photos Megan Abrahams
Art in the Dancehall
February 2 to March 2, 2013
Subliminal Projects
1331 West Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90026
213.213.0078
Wednesday to Saturday 12 to 6 p.m.