ART IN THE DANCEHALL
Curated by Al Fingers and Shimmy Shimmy

Opening Reception: Saturday, February 2 • 8 PM – 11 PM
Exhibition Dates: February 2 – March 2, 2013

In conjunction with Al Fingers and Shimmy Shimmy, SUBLIMINAL PROJECTS is proud to present Art in the Dancehall, an exhibition celebrating dancehall illustration and design from 1979 to the present.
Dancehall and Jamaican soundsystem culture has a rich and vibrant artistic past as well as an undeniable influence on design and letterform in contemporary pop culture. Early 1980s Jamaica was a changing place, politically and musically, with a new generation of deejays bringing in a brand new sound. Mirroring this change in the music scene, were graphic designers and illustrators translating the energy, color and playfulness of dancehall into a world of crazy characters and vivid, saturated colors.

Art in the Dancehall features cover art by seminal 1980s Jamaican artists Wilfred Limonious and Jamaal Pete, alongside UK artist Tony McDermott and posters by Jamaica’s most celebrated poster designer, Denzil ‘Sassafras’ Naar. The exhibition will also include work by five young artists who are keeping the tradition alive: Robin Clare’s bright depictions of popular dances, Ellen G’s detailed illustrations and portraits of dancehall deities, GABE’s bold black & white patterned take on reggae iconography, Daniel David Freeman’s recreation of suits worn by Buju Banton, and Peter Edwards’ colorful zine illustrations that have spanned album covers, comic books, and dancehall posters for some of today’s top dancehall musicians.

Art in the Dancehall will open to the public at 8 pm on Saturday, February 2nd with a vibrant set by special musical guest DJ Tom Chasteen from Dub Club and complimentary rum provided by Sailor Jerry. The show will be on view through Saturday, March 2nd. The gallery store at SUBLIMINAL will feature the 2012 publication Clarks in Jamaica by Al Fingers as well as a limited edition print by Tony McDermott.