**Living Sculpture Exhibition Opens Tonight**

Revolution Gallery presents

Living Sculpture, curated by Carol Campbell and Rosie-Gordon Wallace

Friday, April 3, 2009

7-10pm

44 Lady Musgrave Road

Kingston 5, Jamaica WI

Enjoy refreshments, performances and live music.

Featuring Carlos Alejandro, Jacquenette Arnette, Cleve Bowen, Carol Campbell, Keriena Chang Fatt, Margaret Chen, Jean Chiang, Alejandro Contreras, Paula Daley, David Dunn, Ermán, Robert 'Toby' Grant, Miriam Hinds, Jacquelyn Hussey Pearson, Deborah Jack, Rodney Jackson, Benari Kamau, Pat Kentish-Skeete, Michael Layne, Aaron Ledos, Margaret McGhie, Mazola wa Mwashigadi, Gordon Myers, Nishan, Wura-Natasha Ogunji, Danny Ramirez, Patricia Roldan, Garth Sanguinetti, Marie Segree, Alison Sinclair, Margaret Stanley, Omar Tavares, Diana Wright, Donnette Zacca.

Curatorial Statement by Rosie Gordon-Wallace

For thousands of years mankind has been using sculpture as a primary means of artistic expression. In fact, long before the first record of history was written, sculpture was being used by primitive civilizations to document the world in which they lived. Sculpture was often used to represent any number of occurrences in people's lives from the very beginning. Sculpture was used to document the passage of time or environmental changes. Sculpture was also used to represent societal concerns, such as religion, politics, and morality. The African wood sculpture in this exhibit represents an example of this type of artistic expression.

Sculpture was believed to be one of the best representations of human form and as such was viewed as the ultimate artistic creation. Sculpture has long been one of the most popular forms of fine arts. In fact, sculpture was considered an art form long before patrons of the arts saw an inherent beauty in the other forms of art represented in this exhibit. Installation, painting, even drawing constitute a delayed addition to ranks of Caribbean artistic production.

The Venus of Willendorf sculpture found within this exhibit is one example of sculpture of human form. The stone Willendorf fits in the palm of the hand. Note the overall silhouette, the curves and proportions and the stylized hair. The 25,000 year old Willendorf is among the oldest surviving Venus or Goddess depictions known. Some have theorized that the distorted proportions of the Willendorf suggest that it may be a self-portrait from a woman's point of view-- the breasts fill the field of vision looking downwards.

From the Venus de Milo to the Venus of Willendorf, sculpture is still as popular today as ever. Although the look of sculptures has changed dramatically throughout the centuries, it will forever remain one the most popular art forms. Perhaps this art continues to grow in popularity because the nature of sculpture has continued to evolve over time. The subject matter of sculpture has never remained stagnate but has always found a new and varied subject or theme which was previously unused. This ingenuity in the field of sculpture is well represented by the two modern outdoor pieces in this exhibit.

Perhaps the popularity and apparent fascination of sculpture will never be explained. However, it is apparent that the artistic medium of sculpture is unique. Above all, sculpture allows the artist to have an intimate relationship with the work being created. Each time the sculptor uses his hands to create a unique work of art, regardless of the materials or subject matter.

My fascination with “Living Sculpture” began as a child at Hope Botanical Gardens. In those days the living garden sculptures were seen as exotic and not quite as an artistic endeavor. I wanted to share this tradition of “Living Sculpture” with our diasporic international cultural exchange artists many of whom are visiting Jamaica for the first time.

Our theme is " Living Sculpture." Our artists will explore new sites, through specific sculpture, performance and installation that center on the object-hood and medium of the body as living sculpture. Additionally artist will frame sculpture, ceramics, and installation as media to embody memory, time and meaning. Artists explore fragility in the body and sculpture and how public sculpture and art can be participatory, adaptable in relation to the needs and culture of a society. Artists will examine the theme 'Living Sculpture" against the rich artistic background of Jamaican public art, sculpture and performance.

In contemporary art there are many examples of living sculpture. In 2009, when research is done on the term “Living Sculpture” the examples given are extensive and range from the botanical living sculpture to Aimee Mullins, who declared “people say I have no legs, but I have ten pairs of them and my interaction with them allow me to be a living sculpture”. See Aimée’ Sculptural legs, photographer: Webb Chappell. Living Sculpture has the documentation of “Singing Sculpture” and many other atypical definitions.

"For many African cultures, sculptures are regarded as shrines - a celebration of community and nature." "The social value of the sculptures cannot be underestimated, as the artwork evokes many themes, including; cultural exchange, freedom, legacy, identity and citizenship. All of which resonate universally to engage all sectors of the community - whether or not they consciously subscribe to the arts. The existence of the sculptures and their iconic forms in public spaces also promotes a deeper understanding of the role of culture, heritage and creativity in building vibrant, cohesive communities, with improved perceptions of their contribution to society." States Jenni Lewin Turner, Urban Culturalist, living in London.

University of Technology (UTECH)

This unique park is part of the University's efforts to marry technology and art. It boasts nine sculptures, five of which represent each of the University's faculties. This is a good place to gain an introduction to Caribbean art. The sculptors hail from Jamaica, St. Lucia, Barbados, Trinidad and Grenada. Another addition to the park is the UTECH gallery that hosts work by Caribbean sculptors and artists. Gallery hours are 9a-5p M-F.

Jamaica:

Jamaica is a Caribbean island, which spans 234 kilometers (146 mi) in length and 80 kilometers (146 mi) in width. Its capital, Kingston, is located on the southeastern coast of the island. Kingston is the seat of government and business sectors; the cultural mecca of the country and home to interesting museums, galleries, churches, theatres, restaurants and numerous other attractions.

“Living Sculpture”

Welcome to Revolution Gallery where “Living Sculpture” exhibition runs through Monday April 6, 2009.