This art walk along Water Lane in Downtown, Kingston Jamaica was long overdue. But as my mom says "nothing before its time " and this was just that!
We wandered through this beautiful lane on a Tuesday afternoon.
The street was a little empty but it occasionally had light foot traffic. It seemed that persons walked through the lane as a shortcut. A few vehicles drove along the lane, but they wouldn't go very far as cylindrical-shaped poles are lodged in the center of the street.
HOW IT STARTED: PURPOSE OF THE ART MURAL
The art murals seen in Downtown Kingston is a project birthed through Kingston Creative.
Kingston Creative is a nonprofit art organization that has an objective to use our Jamaican art and culture to bring about social and economic change. As an art lover myself I think this is a brilliant move.
Downtown, Kingston Jamaica is the center of Jamaica's rich culture. It boasts quite a few historic and old buildings linked to our history that are dedicated to the various art forms such as the National Art Gallery-a public art museum. Many other cultural establishments can be found throughout this entire region. What better location to put the murals right?
BACK TO THE ART WALK!
So, along this art walk, you will see reflections of Jamaica's culture in many ways and things that influence our culture. Emotionally tugging pieces are on display, you will see children smiling and even ocean life along the walls.
The art murals are intriguing and detailed. Each piece has a message or story that would cause you to linger in a reflective state.
Below are just a few pictures of the murals we saw along Water Lane in downtown Kingston, Jamaica.
MUSICAL LEGENDS OF JAMAICA
Some of the Jamaican Reggae legends seen on the Water Lane Murals include Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer, Gregory Isaacs, and Millie Small just to name a few.
DANCEHALL VIBES
Every Jamaican knows that Dancehall is at the very heart of our rich culture and is indented in our music and seen in trendy fashion on the island and around the world.
SEXUAL ABUSE
One of the emotional pieces observed on the walk.
AFRICA
Ubuntu- A popular Zulu phrase translated "I am because you are"
CHILDREN
Joyful children!
Of Note -Beside each mural is a sign with the name of the Artist, the title of the piece, the year it was done, and the Partners.
The majority of the murals are done by our very own local artists in Jamaica. Along some of the murals, a QR Code is attached and you are able to scan and gain access to a detailed history of the piece and the artists involved.
Walking through Water Lane is refreshing!
To all my art lovers & creatives, if you haven't made a trip to this site as yet please do! You won't be disappointed and these are only a few pictures of the murals in Downtown, Kingston Jamaica.
You can support Kingston Creative by donating at https://kingstoncreative.org/donate/