FT. LAUDERDALE – Thirty pieces of artwork depicting images of the island, done by Jamaican artist Richard Hugh Blackford, are on display at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center in Fort Lauderdale located at 2650 Sistrunk Boulevard.
The one-man show titled ‘Images of Jamaica,” features work on oil and canvas and reflects a variety of realistic scenes of sports, entertainment and social scenes on the Jamaican landscape.
According to Mr. Blackford, the exhibition is an effort to “recapture the old-time Jamaican spirit as a true celebration of our cultural heritage through art.”
The one-month exhibition, which began on July 31, will run throughout August, and is part of activities in South Florida to mark the island’s 46th anniversary of Independence.
A self-taught artist, Mr. Blackford has matured in his profession over the last 30 years, and is particularly known for his work illustrating sports through art. With a passion for cricket, his displays were featured in Jamaica during last year’s ICC Cricket World Cup.
The exhibition is expected to move to another library in the Broward County Library division shortly.
Following this event, Mr. Blackford will travel to London for a show depicting Black history from a Caribbean and African perspective.
