In Our Neighbourhood

Post-impressionism, surrealism, cubism, expressionism? What do these have to do with the Caribbean? Well, you may be surprised to learn that Caribbean artists have often expressed local scenes, themes, and cultural manifestations through a variety of international art genres originating in, among others, Europe, Africa, and North America.

Make no mistake, however, Caribbean art has its own unique identity and style, often reflecting the prevailing local political, cultural, and social developments, such as anti-colonialism and nationalism. The artists of the region do not generally receive the level of acclaim or renown that their American, European, or even Latin American counterparts do, even within the Caribbean itself. The truth is, when people think of the Caribbean, art is not what comes to mind.

Since the main point of this blog is to explore the unsung Caribbean, let’s explore five Caribbean master painters that every Caribbean national, friend of the Caribbean, and art lover should know.  Note though that I am no art critic or expert. While this post is limited to five of those that most resonate with me, there are, of course, a multiplicity of great artists, both traditional and contemporary, and you can find an extensive list here.

1. Albert Huie (1920-2010)

You cannot speak of Jamaican art without mentioning Albert Huie, who is perhaps its most prominent proponent. Before Huie, the father of Jamaican art, Black people were rarely the subjects of paintings in Jamaica. They were often merely a part of the scenery or, where central, were generally represented with belittling stereotypes as being primitive, naive, or superstitious. Huie came of age personally and professionally in an environment of political and cultural nationalism, when Rastafarianism and Garveyism were dominant. As a result, his work is replete with themes of Black consciousness and identity, but he is also well known for his scenes of rural Jamaica. His portraits, like the one above, are among my favourite works, for the way the subject engages with the audience.

Huie’s work spans several styles, with the evident influence of post-impressionism, Mexican mural art, and cubism, but his subject matter is decidedly Jamaican.

If you like Diego Rivera or Paul Gaugin, then also check out Albert Huie.

Discover some of his artwork at the National Gallery of Jamaica.

2. Alison Chapman-Andrews (1942-)

Alison Chapman-Andrews is a Barbadian painter of English birth. Moving to Barbados in 1971, she largely concentrated on painting the “Barbadian landscape, its trees, its plants, its patterns” with geometric shapes heavily featured. Palm or coconut trees abound.  I like her vibrant use of colour, largely avoiding blacks and greys in a way that is reminiscent of expressionism. Her style is thought to have come to represent the iconic image of Barbados. I am not entirely sure which expressionist she reminds me of most, but I think if you enjoy Edvard Munch, specifically his use of colour, then Alison Chapman-Andrews is one to check out.  

A lot of her work is found in private collections, as well as the Barbados National Art Gallery.

3. Bernard Séjourné  (1947 – 1994)

Bernard Séjourné is considered one of Haiti’s best contemporary painters and sculptors.  His subjects were often women with long graceful necks, along with landscapes endowed with sublime beauty. Interestingly, part of his art studies was pursued in Jamaica. The dominant colour schemes are cool or tropical, but I prefer his more colourful pieces. Often painted in acrylic on Masonite, the paintings appear to have an enhanced sense of movement, as well as an element of mystery.

Baron Philippe de Rothschild commissioned one of Séjourné’s paintings, which was reproduced on the label of his 1986 vintage Chateau Mouton-Rothschild Pauillac wine bottle.

The influence of surrealism is evident in Séjourné’s work. If you enjoy Salvador Dalí, you will definitely enjoy Bernard Séjourné.

4. Jorge Severino (1935-2020)

Jorge Severino was one of the foremost painters of the Dominican Republic. He is best known for painting Black women in luxurious dresses, abundant jewellery, and often red flowers in unusual locations. His subjects appear bold, confident, and defiant even. What stands out about his work is how he challenges the common perception of Black women and mocks the pretentiousness of the Dominican middle class, employing elements of surrealism and magical realism.  At the same time, his work often suggests an air of mystery and enchantment.

You can find his artwork in various museums, including the Gallery of Modern Art in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and the Spanish Museum of Contemporary Art in Madrid, Spain.

If you enjoy Frida Kahlo, you are going to like Jorge Severino.

5. Wilfredo Lam (1902-1982)

Cuban artist Wilfredo Lam was the son of a Chinese father and an Afro-Cuban mother of Spanish descent. Having studied in Spain and lived in France, he left Europe when the Nazis occupied Paris in 1940. Returning to Cuba by way of Martinique, his encounter with famed poet and playwright Aimé Césaire would significantly influence his perspectives on black identity and, consequently, his artistic endeavours.

Lam’s work strongly reflects the struggle of a Cuba seeking to shake off the legacy of 400 years of colonialism but with a distinct focus on the Black community. Cubism and surrealism are evident influences and Lam’s fascination with African art forms is also obvious.

You can Wilfredo Lam’s paintings all over the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and Tate Modern in London.

If you like Pablo Picasso, you will enjoy Wilfredo Lam.

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Summary and Wrap-up

Caribbean visual artists employ a range of styles, influenced largely by Europe, Africa, and Latin America, but with a distinct local flair. Their themes are varied and include slavery and colonialism, black identity, religion, politics, and Caribbean landscapes. If you want to learn more about Caribbean art, here are five Caribbean artists you should know.

1. Albert Huie – Jamaica
2. Alison Chapman Andrews – Barbados
3. Bernard Séjourné – Haiti
4. Jorge Severino – Dominican Republic
5. Wilfredo Lam – Cuba

Now, have I missed anyone? Let me know below.