Michael Escoffery curates Jamaica’s 60th Independence exhibition
The extraordinary works of world-renown Jamaican-born painter and sculptor, Michael Escoffery, will be on display at a one-week exhibition from Monday, Aug. 1-7 in celebration of Jamaican’s 60th Independence Anniversary, and emancipation, being hosted by the ‘Emancipendence’ Committee in White Plains.
The commemoration that will start with a reception on Aug. 1 at 6 p.m., at the White Plains Library, 100 Martine Ave. in White Plains, and continues with a flag raising ceremony, fun day, entertainment, and awards presentation on Aug. 6, from 11 a.m., will celebrate “Reigniting a Nation for Greatness.”
The exhibition, which will showcase other artists and works from the Denzel Washington School of Arts in Mt. Vernon, will give art lovers an opportunity to experience the brilliant collection of Escoffery, whose parents were also painters.
“A work of art should reveal something new to the viewer each time it is seen; it should be a new experience. I believe there are no visual realities as each viewer brings his or her own experiences when viewing any work. I try to layer my work with subtle nuances while conveying a story,” said the award-winning artist, whose works focusses primarily on women, he grew up with and was influenced by the strength of women including his three sisters, mother, and grandmother.
While many of his pieces are sold mainly in Brooklyn, his work has been seen on the walls of Congress and US embassies in more than 40 countries.
According to Marilyn Becker, professor, Art History Lynn University, Boca Raton, Florida, Escoffery’s subjective itinerary follows an eclectic tradition in the manner of late 19th century artists like Edgar Degas, whose genres varied, but remained a constant source of pictorial content.
Escoffery continues to explore all media and styles for visual connections that link his experiences with the illusionary complexities of American contemporary art. His pictorial content is used as a medium for the manipulation of stylistic formula; inventions to be exploited for his own purposes. It is from this vantage point that his engaging intelligence made it possible for him to use the content of topical issues, and the isms of the late 20th century styles, with impunity.
His exceptional works are visible in the non-figurative “Apartheid,” 1989 and “Malcolm X,” the 1991 series in which Escoffery creates a searing commentary on racial attitudes with his art. Desert Storm, inspired “Stars & Stripes” of 1991.
In 1994, Escoffery who was named, U.S. Navy Artist of the Century, celebrated Michael Escoffery Day, in New York, New York. The artist whose paintings, explored the visual potential of imaging technology developed for the Internet in two series, “Jazz Musicians and Portraits”, was also honored with the N.A.A.C.P Black Achievers Award.
Escoffery who was also named, Fin de Siècle Artist, from the Lever House Group, received the Maska International Gallery Living Legend Award, a Citation for Excellence from Manhattan Borough President, a Citation for Excellence from Manhattan Borough President, and a Proclamation from the New York City Council.
The Westchester County Board of Legislators honored him with a “Michael Escoffery Day,” and presented him with a Distinguished Service Award (Westchester Democratic Committee), in addition to a Consul General’s Award.
Escoffery fineness in exacting the juxtaposition of color and shape remarkably captures the facets, jewel-like quality of au courant processing, said the writer.
The painter claims non-conformity by resisting the limitations of stylistic formulas, but his remarkable and prolific achievement contradicts his modesty. His eclecticism is a directional force constantly prompting him to paint as his whim directs.
Escoffery, whose personality reveals a sensitivity rarely seen among artist of the late 20th century, is also the recipient of a Certificate of Merit, from the Jamaica Consulate, a Caribbean American Achievers “Mahoe Award, and a President Barack Obama Proclamation honoree for National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, in 2012.
He also received a Vice Chancellor’s Achievement Award from The University of the West Indies, a Citation for Outstanding Contribution to the Community, Borough of Brooklyn, and The Prime Minister’s Medal of Appreciation for Service to Jamaica, among others.
To learn more, click www.jamaicanemancipendence.com or call 646-653-9029.
