Bad Art Gallery Presents "Until Such Time" - A Solo Exhibition by Joshua Solas

Bad Art Gallery, Narrative Curatorial and The Belmont Agency Inc. are proud to present "Until Such Time," a solo exhibition by Jamaican visual artist Joshua Solas, opening December 15, 2024. The exhibition, which coincides with the timeline of the Kingston Biennial, presents a bold reimagining of Jamaican cultural narratives through the lens of contemporary digital culture.

November 25, 2024

Kingston, Jamaica - Bad Art Gallery is proud to present "Until Such Time," a solo exhibition by Jamaican visual artist Joshua Solas, opening December 15, 2024. The exhibition, which coincides with the timeline of the Kingston Biennial, presents a bold reimagining of Jamaican cultural narratives through the lens of contemporary digital culture.

In this innovative series, Solas transforms iconic symbols and rituals of Jamaican life into captivating, meme-inspired works that challenge traditional artistic representations. From the streets of Kingston to everyday cultural touchstones, Solas's work pulses with visual vitality while maintaining critical depth and cultural resonance.

“(H)UNTIL SUCH TIME” points to some time in the future and implies there is a difference between then and now - change needs to made and the place need fi fix up.” - Joshua Solas, Artist

A joint effort between Bad Art Gallery and Narrative Curatorial, the exhibition brings together an exceptional team of arts professionals. Co-curators Antwain Clarke and Kerry Chen, crafted an immersive journey through contemporary Jamaican visual culture. The exhibition's distinctive installation design will be realized by installation specialists and art handlers Gianni Jahziel and Richard Nattoo, whose expertise ensures the innovative display concept achieves its full impact.

“Until such time is intended to be a place-holder. I believe every work is a sketch for the next one. As such this collection of works is a reflection on the past and present with aspirations for the future.“ - Joshua Solas, Artist

The show will feature over 20 original works spanning mediums, including silkscreen on paper and mixed media on board. These pieces will be displayed through a unique combination of traditional wall mounting and custom sculptural easels across both gallery spaces at 10A, the iconic home of Perry Henzell & The Harder They Come (1972), creating a dynamic viewing experience that challenges conventional exhibition formats.

“In UNTIL SUCH TIME, Joshua Solas offers a radical reimagining of Jamaican visual art through the groundbreaking memefication of both local and global experience. By transforming traditional narratives into viral, shareable moments, Solas reveals how meme culture has become our most potent contemporary language - a dynamic, democratised form of expression that transcends geographical and artistic boundaries. These works don't only represent Jamaica; they demonstrate how digital vernacular is reshaping our understanding of cultural representation in the 21st century.” - Kerry Chen, Curator, Narrative Curatorial

"Until Such Time" will launch with an exclusive preview event on December 15th, followed by the public opening on December 16th. RSVP for the exhibition at www.BADARTGALLERYJA.COM.  The exhibition will run through December 29th, 2024 at 10A Kings House Rd Kingston, Ja.

 Exhibition Highlights:

  • Innovative fusion of traditional Jamaican cultural elements with contemporary meme culture

  • Dynamic installation featuring custom sculptural easels

  • Panel discussion and talk series featuring Joshua Solas and contemporary culture experts

  • Strategic timing alongside the Kingston Biennial, attracting international art professionals and collectors

The exhibition is expected to draw a diverse, multi-generational audience, from young digital natives and art students to established collectors and cultural enthusiasts. It represents a significant moment in contemporary Jamaican art, where traditional cultural narratives meet the digital age's visual language.

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 social and cultural significance, has overseen notable shows including Matthew McCarthy and "Vib(e)ration: Reggae in Art." Clarke, who leads the fine art program at ScotiaBank, 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 portrait photographer, brings professional experience from both Jamaica and the UK. Nattoo, a practicing visual artist whose own work explores the transition from childhood to adulthood, contributes both technical expertise and artistic 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. Stephens 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] 

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