“Jamaica on My Mind” Fine Art Exhibition Takes Center Stage at Art of Transformation in Opa-locka

Authentic Jamaican artistic expression comes alive December 4 – 8, 2024 in Opa-locka

Opa-locka will come alive with vibrant cultural expressions as the Ten North Group presents the Jamaica on My Mind fine art exhibition, part of the highly anticipated Art of Transformation (AOT) series. Running from December 4 to December 8, 2024, this five-day event will span three blocks in Opa-locka, offering free admission to the public. With the theme Black Aliveness and the Aesthetics of Being, AOT will feature seven exhibitions exploring the profound ways Black cultural expression shapes identity, autonomy, and community.

Celebrating Jamaica: Art, Culture, and Heritage

Each year, AOT highlights art from a Caribbean nation within the African Diaspora. This year’s focus on Jamaica—often called the “land of wood and water”—brings the exhibition Jamaica on My Mind: Aliveness and Livity to center stage. Curated by Phillip Thomas, a professor at Kingston’s prestigious Edna Manley School of Art, the exhibit will showcase works from Jamaican artists worldwide. These pieces reflect the synergy between “aliveness” and “livity”—a Jamaican term that embodies vitality, resilience, and spiritual harmony.

Accompanying the exhibition are two standout events:

• Jamaican Cocktail Reception (Friday, December 6, at 6:30 PM): Guests can meet the artists, experience Jamaican music and dance, and enjoy remarks from Jamaican Consul General Oliver Mair. This event is hosted by Tanto Irie of Reggae Runnins on HOT 105, with musical vibes provided by Jason Panton & Dubwise. Sponsors include Dutch Pot Restaurant, Jamaicans.com, and South Florida Caribbean News.
• Artist Panel Discussion (Saturday, December 7, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM): A thought-provoking conversation on Jamaican contemporary art’s evolution in political, social, and economic contexts, featuring artists, critics, and scholars.

Curator Phillip Thomas calls the exhibition “an authentic experience of Jamaican aesthetic culture” and a window into the island’s rich artistic narrative.

AOT: Exploring Black Identity Through Art

Beyond Jamaica on My Mind, the AOT series includes a range of exhibitions showcasing diverse perspectives on Black cultural expression:

• In Praise of the Blues by Edouard Duval-Carrié, curated by Adrienne Von Lates, explores the cultural resonance of blue in the African diaspora.
• Under the Bridge, Beyond the Beach, Above the Muck, curated by Professor Yacouba Konate, examines Ten North Group’s approach to collecting Black art.
• And Is: The BlackFlorida Project, curated by Melissa Hunter, presents Johanne Rahaman’s photography of Black Florida communities.
• Embodiment of Aliveness: The Sculptures of Siriki Ky, curated by E. H. Malick Ndiaye, showcases bronze sculptures exploring Black resilience.
• Site Memory: The Sculpture Garden, led by landscape architect James Brazil, uses banned African American literature to inspire installations.
• Tales of Opa-Locka: A Heritage Journey, curated by Alex Van Mecl, delves into the city’s cultural and architectural history.

Engaging Events and Community Impact

The AOT schedule also features panels, live performances, fashion showcases, and film screenings celebrating Black identity and creativity. Highlights include:

• Opening Night Celebration (December 4, 6:30 PM)
• African Heritage Celebration (December 5, 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM)
• Museum Night Cocktail Experience (December 7, 6:30 PM)

The initiative reflects the Ten North Group’s mission to empower communities through art and culture. By fostering spaces for dialogue and creative exchange, AOT amplifies the voices and stories of the African Diaspora.

Join the Celebration

The Art of Transformation is open to the public at multiple venues on the Ten North Group campus in Opa-locka. For more information or to RSVP, visit Ten North Group on Eventbrite or email rsvp@TenNorthGroup.com.

This is a Hy-Lo News Staff Report.

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