| The rich and lively culture of Jamaica is clearly | | | | published with Adolphe Duperly's documentation of |
| depicted in its art. Tracing back from the times of the | | | | slavery in their country. Thus, according to the National |
| native Taino Indians, their art was mostly centered on | | | | Gallery of Jamaica, this rebirth marked the |
| their beliefs and rituals. Had you lived in these ages, | | | | nationalism-inspired art movement at the start of the |
| you would have seen that some of their works give | | | | twentieth century. |
| glory to the gods they call their own through wood | | | | In 1922, Jamaica was gifted with the coming of |
| carvings. | | | | modern art through Edna Manley, who observed that |
| After the Jamaican flag succumbed to the European | | | | the current artistic and traditional style during that time |
| conquistadors, however, their art has evolved as it | | | | was lacking as it could not encompass the depth and |
| imbibed the culture of the colonizers. From their | | | | richness of Jamaica's culture and its natives. From then |
| deity-inspired art pieces, traditional European art | | | | on, Edna Manley spearheaded and contributed much |
| showing picturesque images of the new world were | | | | towards the formal training of talented artists in |
| made. | | | | Jamaica, thus polishing their craft. |
| In the late 18th century, Isaac Mendes Belisario was | | | | The journey of Jamaican artists towards their inner |
| able to uphold his roots as he returned to Jamaican | | | | histories and culture provided the world with art which |
| culture. His works such as "In Illustration of the Habits," | | | | is truly unique and worthy of recognition. Even with the |
| "Occupation," and "Sketches of Character" had | | | | changing times, may they continue to go back and |
| inspired the rebirth of the vibrant Jamaican. Another | | | | search within so that all of us can share the true |
| work he had, "Costume of the Negro Population in the | | | | beauty of Jamaican art. |
| Island of Jamaica," together with his other works, are | | | | |