Jamaican Artist Alicia Brown
Jamaican Artist Alicia Brown
Art has always been in Alicia Brown’s life. This Jamaican fine artist and art educator was born in St. Ann, Jamaica. Alicia has BFA and a diploma in Art Education from the Edna Manley College of the Visual Performing Arts. In 2014, she graduated from the MFA programme at the New York Academy of Art. Alicia was awarded the Dawn Scott Memorial Award at the 2017 Jamaica Biennial. Alicia currently works and lives in Kingston. Alicia is keen on exploring Jamaican identity through her work. Today, this talented lady shares her artist journey.
Why art?
I have always been creative, as a child I would draw in all my books in school. I enjoyed drawing. Drawing was something I was good at and my friends and teachers would always praise me. From about age seven, I remember drawing the comics from the newspaper, I loved copying the drawings and I always thought art was something I would love to be able to do forever. I can’t think of anything else that I would want to do as much as making art.
What’s integral to the work of an artist?
I think what is integral to any artist is the ability to communicate to people from all cultural backgrounds.
Describe your creative process.
In creating my works the process involves a lot of research. Most of my works are content driven. Once I have an issue or a concept I want to explore I try to develop ideas by using my environment, personal experiences, art history, and cultural trends and just about anything that speaks to me as inspiration.
After, I have a clear idea in mind; I like to make sketches or large drawings at times to work out the composition of the ideas before they are transferred to canvas.
What are the primary themes in your work?
My most recent works address issues of belonging. I have interrogated the search for cultural identity in and outside the Caribbean diaspora. (Valium) My pieces also look at social structure within the Jamaican space, the influence or impact of colonialism/slavery and the obsession with copying or mimicking dominant culture, as well as, the politics of hair trends and its role in forming identity.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
That’s an interesting question. I have gotten so much good advice from so many great artists and persons who are not. I think the best advice I got was to keep doing what I love. I have heard this from several persons so it’s best not to mention names.
Exchange, painting by Alicia Brown
What was the inspiration for the Dawn Scott Memorial Award winning painting Exchange?
In creating the painting Exchange, I was influenced by the story that is represented of the history of the Caribbean in particular the representation of the identity of our Ancestors. The image that is presented depicts the beginning of cultural identity is set on the sugar cane plantation resulting from slavery.
I was also reading that Africans were sold into slavery in exchange for beads and other objects, these stories make me curious. I tried to place myself in the narrative to I try to understand where I fit.
I am interested in the concept of identity. This interest is ongoing. Through the painting, I wanted to communicate the impact of historical narratives of slavery and colonialism in constructing a contemporary identity within the Caribbean. By juxtaposing the figure in a sugar cane background and adorning him with objects such as candy, beads and a handkerchief painted in the colours of the British flag, I wanted to bring attention to the conflicts surrounding representation and identity and the ongoing influences of the west on Caribbean Identity.
Professionally, what’s your goal?
As an Artist, my primary goal is to have the opportunity and the freedom to continue to express myself through my works and to share my story with people through the process.
What advice would you give young upcoming artists?
I would advise young aspiring artists to believe in what they do. Be honest, respectful of their skill and of course work hard.
You are a practicing artist as well an art educator, describe your teaching style?
My approach to teaching differs, depending on the level of the students and the expectation. The methods of imparting information to students include demonstrations and lectures.
Name your favourite or most inspirational place in Jamaica.
My favourite place to visit on the island is Portland. I think it is the most beautiful parish. I hope to own a place there one day.
What jobs have you done other than being an artist?
My first job was working as a sales clerk, this was the only job I did that was not in the field of art.
Do you feel an emotional attachment to your art work? How do you negotiate the business aspects of art?
Of course, all the works I create I am emotionally attached as I am giving a part of me in every piece.
Negotiating the business of selling my work is challenging. Currently, I sell my works through Gallery shows, from my website, through social media, and I also do commissions.
Alicia Brown’s work is exhibited at the National Gallery of Jamaica. The 2017 Jamaica Biennial opened on Sunday 26th February and continues until Sunday 28th of May.