Jamaican

A vibrant set by DJ Tom Chasteen from Dub Club is the perfect soundtrack when “Art in the Dancehall” –a celebration of  dancehall illustration’s rich and vibrant artistic past and its  undeniable influence on design and letterform in contemporary pop culture from 1979 to the present–opens February 2 at SUBLIMINAL PROJECTS.  “Art in the Dancehall” is presented in conjunction with Al Fingers and Shimmy Shimmy.  In summer 2012 “Art of the Dancehall” was exhibited in Birmingham and London.

Early 1980s Jamaica was a changing place, politically and musically, with a new generation of deejays bringing in a brand new sound. Mirroring this change in the music scene, were graphic designers and illustrators translating the energy, color and playfulness of dancehall into a world of crazy characters and vivid, saturated colors.

“Art in the Dancehall”features cover art by seminal 1980s Jamaican artists Limonious and Jamaal Pete, alongside UK artist Tony McDermott and posters by Jamaica’s most celebrated poster designer, Sassafras. The exhibition will also include work by five young international artists who are keeping the tradition alive: Robin Clare’s bright depictions of popular dances, Ellen G’s detailed illustrations and portraits of dancehall deities, GABE’s bold black & white patterned take on reggae iconography, plus reproductions of colorful stage costumes by Daniel David Freeman, and Peter Edwards’ colorful zine illustrations that have spanned album covers, comic books, and dancehall posters for some of today’s top dancehall musicians.

“Art of the Dancehall” will be on view through Saturday, March 2nd. The gallery store at SUBLIMINAL features the 2012 publication Clarks in Jamaica by Al Fingers, a limited edition print by Tony McDermott, and selected Tuff Gong products.