Junkanoo Print
Spirt of the Bahamas
| Start Price |
USD 200.00 |
| Current Price |
USD 200.00 |
| Time Left |
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| Bid Count |
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| Start Time |
Tuesday, May 06, 2008 |
| End Time |
Tuesday, May 13, 2008 |
| Location |
Erie, PA |
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Description
THE HISTORY OF THE ARTIST AND THE PIECE OF ART WORK R. Brent Malone, MBE — A Beacon (the late Artist) Gentle, genteel, modest, humble, honest, understated, nervous when necessary, helpful, giving, encouraging, quietly forceful, open minded, a true Bahamian first and foremost, focused, professional, a passionate Artist and Visionary. Richard Brent Malone, born in Nassau in 1941, knew from the age of 12 years that he would be an artist. When he was only eight years, six different friends gave him painting-by-number sets, having heard some of his interest in art. The next year, he put the word out; that cash would be appreciated as he had started a savings account to pay for his eventual training. He spent two years studying with Don Russell of Don Russell's Academy of Fine Arts, honing his skill with a paint brush and became the first Bahamian to pass "A" Level Art with distinction. The Prime Minister's mandate to the Commission included the making of recommendations on Junkanoo – a passion of Mr. Malone and on the creation of cultural oases in the Family Islands – a thought held as early as the 50s by Sir Harold Christie, and an idea which has reposed with Mr. Malone. Mr. Malone had passion for things Bahamian and included in this article are his own words about that passion on Junkanoo and other areas of cultural development in his homeland. What then of Junkanoo, and why did he choose it for his subject? "After last year's Junkanoo I really felt I had to go right home and paint." Although a judge for several years, always an involved and interested spectator, the sheer magnificence somehow had its greatest effect this year. "Something clicked he says, and it is a nice feeling to be overwhelmed and impressed by something – to have done this exhibition "and to make a statement about Junkanoo." Then he adds, typically "It's fortunate one can do this." "Junkanoo is the Bahamas' greatest achievement in the arts," he says. "It's been right in front of us for so long. It's been taken for granted and the people who are most surprised are the Junkanoo-ers themselves! When you come to think of it," he adds with a twinkle, "not even the Queen of England would bring out such crowds of Bahamians to watch and cheer at three in the morning like that!" Liz asked "Why an exhibition on Junkanoo just now?" He responds "I feel very patriotic these days, involved and interested in my country and in the excitement of the experiment of Independence," explains Brent." My Junkanoo exhibition is an extension of a patriotic feeling that's developed in me." In an article entitled "Reflections on Junkanoo" Mr. Malone states: "At long last Junkanoo, The Bahamas' holiday celebration, has been recognised as art, a uniquely Bahamian form of cultural expression. The yearnings of slavery gave birth to Junkanoo. It was at the very beginning a shout of freedom, a celebration of life. That institution known as the slave trade is something of the past, but still there is a spiritual need that cries out for freedom. Magic and transformation are still needed in our lives – we need to celebrate life and it is this need that gives Junkanoo a much wider and universal importance. What we call Junkanoo is not especially Bahamian-cultures throughout history have celebrated it. What is uniquely Bahamian is the way we are "that there is not a National Art Gallery to display this talent for ourselves and for the rest of the world." "We have achievements to be proud of that are being kept secret." expressing it. Through the magic of the drum, cowbell and whistle, we bring the ancient spirit of Junkanoo alive. Perhaps the biggest surprise to us all is that culture, now that we have found it, can be fun and there are no restrictions-hats and plaits are allowed." In the late 70s, Mr. Malone had this to say: "The increase in crime is something that affects and disturbs us all, he told Rotarians. "It is obvious that major programmes must be implemented to occupy our youths in meaningful experiences, and I know that that is an area of interest for all service clubs and private businesses." "I feel," he said, "that extensive summer and evening workshops set up in densely populated areas would produce positive results. In many cases, learning a craft would create a new means of employment, and would occupy youth in an enriching experience." "I invite the government to seriously consider reducing or abolishing duty on art materials as it has done with books and works of art," Mr. Malone challenged. "The Ministry of Education and Culture spends considerable money on art education, but the fact is that art supplies are too expensive for the average Bahamian student," Brent commented. "Not only do you have to be rich to own art, but nowadays you have to be rich to make it. Many young artists, and especially school children, could produce more art if they could afford the materials," he said. The Cultural Commission hopes that the government will see fit to make art supplies more readily accessible particularly in the densely populated areas, and in particular, as the Urban Renewal Programme continues. The National Art Gallery of the Bahamas is up and running. Mr. Malone's work is exhibited in that Gallery and the young professional staff of the Gallery would be extremely grateful to him for the assistance he rendered to them. Recently, when he opened an exhibition at the Central Bank of the Bahamas called "The Nude," he mused about the wider search for roots. The human figure had always been his fascination, even when exploring the spectacle of Junkanoo. But this exhibition allowed him to return to his classical European roots for a brief, but important trip. "It's always been popular to discuss our African roots.... Well, I'm European-Bahamian in that sense, and we seem to shy away from that aspect." In a Critique by Erica James entitled, "Brent Malone Journey 2003 exhibition," she writes: "This collection is not completely independent from all that has come before and should be experienced as an expansion of the realist, surrealist and symbolic works Malone has presented in the past. His movement is inward towards a more reflective artistic self and a conceptual plane that simultaneously embodies the spiritual and psychological realms within the material of painting." Brent Malone was scheduled to address the Cultural Commission on March 19, 2004, on the subject of "Cultural Development in the Family Islands," a commitment he made before the night before his sudden and shocking death. Not many people are fortunate to receive their roses while living. Brent deserved and received his. His life, his passion, his thoughts, hopefully will continue to be a beacon of hope for us all and cause us too, to look inward toward a more reflective artistic self as we pursue our goals of defining our Bahamian identity.
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