Hampton Art Lovers has the distinct honor of showcasing the sculpture and sketches of Jamaican artist Basil Watson. The exhibition opened on September 27th and will run through November 16th at the  historic Ward Rooming House in Miami.

Mr. Watson describes his art as “The harmonious expression of one’s vision of life.” This personal description of his lifelong passion is what defines him. For more than 40 years, he has been translating life’s most important themes — positive emotions and attitudes, the spirit of freedom and spontaneity, strength, beauty, energy and vigor – into finely crafted works of arts it just one sculpture?

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, and the son of internationally renowned painter, Barrington Watson was the first student of color to attend the Royal Academy in London. It was a natural progression for Watson to study at the Jamaica School of Art. Upon graduation, he went on to establish a successful career as Jamaica’s leading sculptor. The Government of Jamaica awarded Basil the Order of Distinction (Commander) in recognition of his contributions in the field of art. The most notable of his achievements include having monumental works installed on three campuses of Jamaica’s primary universities. He has also had signature works installed/presented at two of the island’s major stadium.

After emigrating to the United States in 2002, Watson established his home and studio in Lawrenceville, Georgia, just outside of Atlanta. Mr. Watson has earned international recognition, completing major works in China, Guatemala, and in various States within the United States. Over his 40-year career, Basil has completed several major commissions for various governments and organizations all over the world.

Most recently Basil created monumental works for his island home honoring accomplished Jamaican athletes, including Olympic champions, Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, amongst  others. He has also rendered creative works of cultural icons like The Hon. Louise Bennett, as well as the National Heroes. Basil is currently working on a 12-foot sculpture of Dr. Martín Luther King Jr., commissioned by the City of Atlanta. It is befitting that a Jamaican artist would be honored with this monumental task, commemorating Dr. King’s first visit to Jamaica in 1965. King said he never felt more at home anywhere in the world and declared “In Jamaica, I feel like a human being.” Few are aware of the fact that King returned to Jamaica two years later to seek the peace and seclusion of a country cottage near Ocho Rios, to give himself the freedom to think and complete the writing of a book later published under the title “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?”

Hampton Art Lovers believes that the human form is often forgotten as a true artistic subject, without the vanity that so often obscures it. Basil Watson reminds us of the inherent artistry in humanity through his amazing ability to capture the human form. For Watson, ‘spirits’ lift the human form to life. This is the “Awakening” he illustrates through his work, and thus it is the title of our exhibition.

The exhibition is FREE with RSVP at hamptonartlovers.eventbrite.com

Gallery Hours:

Wednesday to Saturday, 1:00PM to 6:00PM

For tours and appointments email hamptonartlovers@gmail.com

Corporate and Special Events: HAL welcomes corporate, special events

HAL has a developed curriculum for school and school tours and youth visits

Contact

hamptonartlovers@gmail.com