Anthea McGibbon, Gleaner Writer

DeMercado's 'Love Triangle'. - Photo by anthea mcgibbon

On Thursday, son of Jamaican soil and jour-nalist for 30 years, Thorold deMercado, opened his first solo art exhibition of his paintings under the theme 'Coming Home'. He is on a brief visit from the United Kingdom, where he resides and the 'Coming Home' exhibition is a collection of pieces done from photographs of landscapes portraits and flowers from his garden with hints of commentary on topical Jamaican issues.

Kingsley Thomas, former boss of The Voice, where Thorold spent some time, was keynote speaker and spoke on the issue of national development.

According to Thomas, it is unfortunate that "artists, including Thorold must invest time and energy in a variety of other disciplines before they find opportunity or the means to embrace their true calling".

Pieces vary in styles

Thomas

Thorold's pieces on display vary in styles, techniques are largely experimental and with the exception of a few demonstrate strong influence of his abilities as an illustrator to communicate with dots.

Although the piece on Thorold's younger daughter Christine brought warmth, as his explorations in paintings were as a result of her prodding, the favoured pieces were: 'Cannon Lily', 'Dread One', 'Yu' Pregnant' and 'Love Triangle'. The illustrative Love Triangle is a fused portrait of Bounty, Carlene and Beenie.

Evidentially, deMercado's combined journalistic and graphic design skills are a creative force in his reproductions and illustrated commentaries. Equally telling of his potential to be a successful painter one day is the strength of his colour usage.

Similar to Barcelona square, Thomas hopes that the new board at National Housing Trust will allow biweekly visual art exhibitions to be held in Emancipation Park as one tool in linking Jamaicans to the tourism and art industries. "Despite the existence of institutions such as the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, National and other galleries, as a nation, we have still not fully appreciated the critical role that art can play in nation building and national development, Thomas said.

He encouraged artists to seek training and guidance so as to reduce the number of substandard work offered, and benefit from the increasingly high value placed internationally on outstanding works of art. In this regard, he also invited artists to paint the Alps of Trelawny.

With the emergence of the Internet and e-commerce, he also encouraged the Government, private sector and artists to develop suitable online marketing initiatives. Referring to the natural beauties of Jamaica - an inspiration that can be had in the 'dust' and heat" of the island, Thomas emphasised that Jamaica is "a great place to live and work".

A special presentation of deMercado's 'View From The Voice' was made to Kingsley Thomas.