When we think of a gallery, images commonly come to mind of meticulously framed paintings surrounded by clean lines, muted tones, soft lighting and stiff upper-lips. However the vibrant hues of red, gold and green along with the household friendly atmosphere that greet you as you approach the Gallery of West Indian Art inside the outskirts off Jamaica’s second city, Montego Bay are tell-tale signs that you simply are, indeed, within the Caribbean, and that this is no ordinary gallery
"Our galleries are an explosion of creativity and color,” says gallery proprietor, Jamaican-born Nicola deLisser - or Nicky, as she is fondly called. "The almost museum-like top quality of so many other galleries is not for us. We're a Caribbean gallery - we are not demure, we no not shy. We are alive and fun and vibrant! And, like the Caribbean, we love to overwhelm our visitors using the beauty we provide."
Within the gallery's walls may be the quintessence of West Indian flair, adorned with paintings and other art and craft pieces acquired from all above the Caribbean, particularly Haiti, Cuba and Jamaica.
However the paintings in this gallery will not be observed on sterile walls. Rather, the walls of this building are awash using the colors from the Caribbean as well as the artwork is equally vibrant with its depictions of traditional Caribbean existence. From capturing the essence of common village existence, marketplace scenes and world renowned seafront views on the Caribbean to depictions of men. women and children of varying hues, shapes, sizes and ethnicities, the artwork uncovered at this gallery takes you to a earth of fantasy, even though at the exact same time painting a true picture in the flair and diversity which is unique towards the West Indies.
The gallery is an superb choice for discovering original pieces of art for your private collection by a few of the finest artists of Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica, including Albert Atwell, now acknowledged as one in the founders of the Jamaican Intuitive Movement; Andre Pierre, whose very detailed paintings are regarded as as a number of the most valuable among collectors of Haitian art; and Orestes Gaulhiac, one of essentially the most accomplished artists in Cuba, whose work is increasingly sought after by severe collectors of Cuban Art.
"Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica are amongst the most stunning and intriguing (islands) within the Caribbean." says Nicky," but we are continuously on the lookout for new and exciting works from all above the Caribbean...be they works by established artists, or by young and emerging ones." "We adore our work”, she continues, "The interaction with the artists is usually exciting."
Nicky, who inherited the family owned and run organization from her recently deceased mother, Liz, now runs the business with her partner Stefan. She says that it was the matriarch on the household who inspired her passion for all points Caribbean and art.