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Art for All: Joshua Solas' 'Until Such Time' Solo Exhibition Democratizes Fine Art Through “Bad Card” NFC Technology

Joshua Solas' landmark solo exhibition "Until Such Time" at 10A Kingston has launched to critical acclaim, marked by an exclusive VIP preview on December 15, 2024, and a widely attended public opening on December 16, 2024.

Author

Marleisse Stephens
December 18, 2024

Kingston, Jamaica -  18 December 2024 - Joshua Solas' landmark solo exhibition "Until Such Time" at 10A Kingston has launched to critical acclaim, marked by an exclusive VIP preview on December 15, 2024, and a widely attended public opening on December 16, 2024. The exhibition opened with a powerful keynote address by Dr. Hickling-Gordon and has drawn significant attention from Kingston's art community for its revolutionary approach to Jamaican cultural narratives through digital culture.

“My approach is rooted in authenticity and natural expression. These works flowed as naturally as conversation or handwriting—each piece an extension of lived experience rather than forced creation. I hope viewers connect with this sense of creative freedom and feel inspired to bring that same organic authenticity to their own pursuits, whatever form they may take.” - Joshua Solas 

The invitation-only preview (December 15) attracted an impressive roster of international art world figures, including Amanda Coulson, Executive Director of TERN Gallery (Bahamas), Carla Acevedo-Yates, Curator of Contemporary Art at The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, and renowned artists Blue Curry and Phillip Thomas. The event also welcomed Deiwght Peters, CEO of Saints International, Grammy-nominated recording artist Protoje, and visual artist Leasho Johnson.

The public opening, December 16th, continued to draw prominent cultural figures, including O'Neil Lawrence, Chief Curator of the National Gallery of Jamaica, distinguished cultural scholar Professor Carolyn Cooper, Grammy and Emmy award-winning producer Tessellated, and acclaimed visual artist Matthew McCarthy. The exhibition, curated by Kerry Chen and Antwain Clarke, features innovative installation design by Crit Crows Design Studio's Richard Nattoo and Gianni Jahziel, with production management by The Belmont Agency.

Exhibition Details:

Introducing the "Bad Card"

In a groundbreaking move to democratize aspects of the local visual arts experience, Bad Art Gallery, in partnership with Narrative Curatorial and The Belmont Agency Inc., used the occasion of the exhibition opening to soft launch the "Bad Card" - a limited edition membership token powered by NFC technology. This innovative initiative aims to make access to visual art content more accessible  while creating a digital framework for tracking engagement and providing exclusive benefits to cardholders. The “Bad Card” offers members privileged access to first looks, special incentives, and unique programming throughout the exhibition and beyond.

“Like a meme rippling across the digital landscape, the 'Bad Card' transforms art sharing into a viral, physical experience. Through a simple tap, exhibition details and artwork information flow freely from person to person. Once received, this content lives in both worlds – ready to be downloaded and shared through digital channels. It's the art world's handshake with viral culture, turning traditional exhibition experiences into something that spreads organically through real-world connections. With a simple tap of your 'Bad Card' against another phone, you instantly share the exhibition experience – as effortlessly as sending a meme to a friend. It reimagines how we engage with art, turning traditional gallery walls into fluid digital connections that spread as naturally as any social media share.- Kerry Chen, Narrative Curatorial

Week 1 Programming Highlights

The exhibition will also feature a fire side chat and panel discussion exploring the intersection of viral culture, art democratization, and technological innovation in Jamaica's contemporary art scene. Details of this gathering of cultural voices will be announced this week, bringing together leading figures in art, technology, and cultural theory to examine how digital sharing cultures are reshaping art accessibility and collection.

The discussion will explore themes central to "Until Such Time," including:

  •  The evolution of shareability from memes to physical art spaces

  • Technology's role in democratizing art collection and appreciation

  • The future of art distribution in the digital age

  •  Jamaica's unique position in the global digital art conversation

Space for this exclusive event will be limited. “Bad Card” holders will receive priority access to registration. Full panel details and RSVP information will be released via the Bad Card platform and BADARTGALLERYJA.COM.

“‘Until Such Time’ cultivates an inviting, witty, and provocative environment that resonates across generations of collectors. Through meticulous curation and programming with Bad Art Gallery and Narrative Curatorial, we aim to motivate the emerging collector base and participate in an ecosystem where fine art becomes more accessible to a new generation of Jamaican cultural enthusiasts.” - Marleisse Stephens, The Belmont Agency Inc. 

The exhibition features over 30 original silk screen prints on both canvas and paper , displayed through a unique combination of traditional wall mounting and custom-designed suspension. The innovative installation transforms the iconic space at 10A W Kings House Rd., former home of Perry Henzell & The Harder They Come (1972), creating a dynamic viewing experience that challenges conventional exhibition formats.

For more information, interview requests, or high-resolution images, please contact:

About Joshua Solas

Joshua Solas is a contemporary Jamaican visual artist known for his innovative approach to cultural representation and as the founder of S O L A S I N K, an artistic agency whose focus is on telling stories through captivating visual media. Solas’ work explores the intersection of traditional Jamaican culture and modern digital communication. 

About the Exhibition Team

The exhibition is brought to life by an accomplished team of Jamaican arts professionals:

  • Co-curators: Narrative Curatorial's Kerry Chen and Antwain Clarke bring complementary expertise to the project. Chen, who began curating exhibitions as a platform for intelligent discourse around issues of social and cultural significance, has curated and produced notable exhibitions including “Dubbing 62 Side A: Babylon + Zion” featuring works by Matthew McCarthy, “The Night Sees” by Taj Francis  and "Vib(e)ration: Reggae in Art" produced in collaboration with The Sky Gallery. Clarke, who leads the fine art program at ScotiaBank Jamaica, partners with Chen to challenge conventional socio-cultural narratives through visual art.

  • Installation Specialists: The exhibition's innovative design is realized through the combined talents of Gianni Jahziel and Richard Nattoo. Jahziel, an award-winning photographer and photo artist, brings professional experience from both Jamaica and the UK. Nattoo, a renowned multidisciplinary artist with a background in architecture whose visual art work explores local folklore and ancestral traditions, contributes both technical expertise and cultural sensitivity to the installation. 

  • Exhibition Development: The Belmont Agency, led by Marleisse Stephens, serves as Exhibition Development Manager, orchestrating production timelines, coordinating multi-disciplinary teams, and ensuring seamless execution of programming and installations. The Belmont Agency Inc. maintains the artistic integrity of "Until Such Time" through methodical project management and creative oversight.

For more information on partnerships, interview requests, or high-resolution images, please contact:  [email protected] 

Exhibition Inquiries Contact: