Members of the public are invited to view the National Gallery of Jamaica’s (NGJ) latest exhibition: ‘One Nation, New Symbols,’ which opens on Sunday, September 28.
Featuring the work of 46 artists and 55 works of art curated from an open call process, the exhibition presents a contemporary response to the signs, imagery and meanings that have shaped Jamaican life, whilst also giving fresh perspectives on Jamaican identity and culture.
“This is one of our most inclusive exhibition formats,” said Senior Curator, Monique Barnett-Davidson.
“We’ve invited artists – of various levels – to get involved and exhibit at the gallery.” She stated that up to 166 applications were received from which the 55 pieces of art were selected for display.
“We have paintings, sculpture, installation projects and much more creative pieces of work – of various disciplines. There are also audiovisual projects, fibre and textile works, mixed media works, and several other forms.”
She explained that the theme: ‘One Nation, New Symbols’, emerged from the belief that cultural representations should evolve as society changes. She said that the exhibition is about reimagining national symbolism through contemporary art while encouraging critical reflection and public engagement.
“Symbols are not static, and the National Gallery of Jamaica, as part of our engagement with contemporary art, we have to demonstrate that revolution time and time again,” she said.
Ms. Barnett-Davidson further highlighted the importance of giving visual artists a voice in national conversations. “When you listen to the political discourses and things on the radio, on the TV… you hear the sociologists, the economists, the politicians, but we don’t often hear the visual artists. I’m hoping that the open call can become a model for change, where we provide a platform and a space where artists can lend their voices,” she stated.
The ‘One Nation, New Symbols’ exhibition, whilst running until March, 2026, is free for children and students.
