Photo by Janet Silvera
Artist Oral Fernand (left) explains the intricacies of his paintings to Paul Aigbogun (right) and Patrick Crowl (partly hidden), while Paula Aigbogun (second left) looks on.

Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

From the quiet dignity of realism to the expressiveness of impressionism, three of Jamaica's most noted artists - Errol Allen, Oral 'Fernand' Fernandez and Alan Richards - showcased their best in what was dubbed 'Unspoken Words' last week.

The event, an exhibition of paintings, presented by Barita Investments Limited, captured the most transient natural effects within nature as well as the emotional state of the three while they painted.

Expose talents

'Unspoken Words' - the brainchild of Rita Humphries Lewin and her artist husband Karl - ran from August 24-31, at Barita's offices at Baywest Plaza in Montego Bay.

The two art enthusiasts said they wanted to expose local talents because there are not enough media which allow this.

The piece named for the exhibition was done by Fernand, a banker turned artist who says the featured creation was his daughter Martina, whom he encapsulates in blue, depicting faith.

"I use unspoken words because it depicts my love for her. The piece has life, vibrancy and colours representing her energy and vivacious spirit, while some of the other colours represent her many moods."

Errol Allen, a master of Caribbean fine art, had art lovers in awe with his $200,000 piece on his 67-year-old mother.

Using amber, yellow, and several different types of brown, he blended colours beautifully to capture the most natural effects of the woman who bore him.

The artist, who named his piece 'Mom', said it took him three weeks to evoke the reflective imageries that is depicted in the painting.

Connection to God

Alan Richards' claim to fame came after he took a photograph of a woman blowing a horn and turned it into a painting. Inspired by a lot of what he sees around him, he says his connection is with god.

"When I look at my work and appreciate it, I say it must be god," he told The Sunday Gleaner.

A landscape artist, who uses abstract as well, he had on display at Barita's 'Unspoken Words', Glistening Water, Nude on ChairDancing with the wind' as part of his collection.

Carolyn Suzie Haughton Salmon of Hearts Content, Caribbean Producers Jamaica Limited and Document Solutions and More were the companies that made the event possible.