Art: "the aura of the Diaspora", Jamaican art in the UK

Matthew McCarthy

The RWA presents a landmark exhibition of Jamaican visual art - the first major exhibition of its kind ever to be held in the UK, co-curated on behalf of the RWA by Kat Anderson and Graeme Mortimer Evelyn.
At a time when Jamaican art is receiving growing international acclaim, Jamaican Pulse showcases the extraordinary diversity of Jamaican art, presenting contemporary artwork alongside key works from Jamaican art history.
While exploring the roots of modern Jamaican art and suggesting new links between past and present, the exhibition also explores the artwork through a political lens and considers how global attitudes to body, gender, religion, class and sexuality have impacted this small island nation. By creating a conversation between the Jamaican Diaspora population across the UK and internationally,

 Jamaican Pulse looks back at early artistic and political awakening, whilst also creating a platform for contemporary artists.
Many of the contemporary artists in the exhibition also featured in the recent, critically- acclaimed Jamaica Biennale. Their work spans multiple disciplines including painting, sculpture, photography, textiles and moving image, and will be supported by twentieth century artwork from a number of public and private collections, including the Jamaican High Commission, London, and The National Gallery of Jamaica, Kingston.
Jamaican Pulse is accompanied by an exciting learning and participation programme, with activities taking place on and off-site, including a satellite programme at The Bluecoat, Liverpool.
Jamaican Pulse is delivered in partnership with the Jamaican High Commission and is supported by Arts Council England and the Art Fund. It is co-curated by Kat Anderson and Graeme Mortimer Evelyn on behalf of the RWA.

Jamaican Pulse