Photographic exhibition brings to life Kingston’s landmarks
Douglas Orane, CEO and Chairman of GraceKennedy Ltd.(right) views sections of the exhibition with two children enrolled in the LICK homework centre, facilitated by the Grace & Staff Community Development Foundation.
A photographic exhibition mounted by GraceKennedy Limited in association with the Institute of Jamaica (IOJ), aptly titled “From the Hills to the Waterfront” is now on display at the IOJ foyer.
The exhibition features pieces from children enrolled in the Learning Institute of Central Kingston (LICK) homework centre facilitated by the Grace & Staff Community Development Foundation, which is the community outreach arm of GraceKennedy Ltd.
This exhibition captures the historical landmarks found in Parade Gardens in Kingston, that is, the Southside and Tel Aviv communities and sections of Rae Town.
Curtis Sweeney, counselling psychologist at the Grace & Staff Community Development Foundation says this exhibition is aimed at showcasing the talent of the students in the photography club of the LICK centre, most of whom reside in Central Kingston. “This [exhibition] is a means of bringing national attention to the work of inner-city youths,” he says.
These youths, he says challenge the conventional view of Parade Gardens showing that positive things can develop out of inner-city children and their communities.
More importantly, he says this exhibition showcases the creativity and versatility of the budding photographers while highlighting historical landmarks in the communities that are unknown to many persons. He says the exhibition seeks to tell the history of the communities through photographs and is an excellent opportunity to educate the nation about historical aspects of downtown.
One of the two winning entries in this year’s competition, entitled, “Bird in a tree” taken at Hollywell by Claude Mckenzie”
LICK is one of three centres operated by the Grace & Staff Community Development Foundation, all three operating out of inner-city communities where GraceKennedy carries out its operations. The programme enrolls over 300 students ranging between 12 to 18 years old. The other two centres are located in Majesty Gardens and Barbican.
Speaking at the opening of the exhibition, Douglas Orane, CEO and Chairman of GraceKennedy Ltd. stressed the power of photography. He said it is a medium for recording experiences to share with others. He encouraged the children to continue to pursue the craft.
The exhibition also captures another concept, that is, nature. Photos of the picturesque Holywell, a recreational park in the Blue and John Crow Mountains are also on display as well as images from the Hope Zoo.
“From the Hills to the Waterfront” is the third annual exhibition for the LICK camera club. Mr. Howard Moo Young was the main judge of this year’s exhibition.
The Exhibition is open to the public and will run from September to November 2008 and is open to the public Mondays to 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and Fridays 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
School children along with two adults gather around to view the exhibition following the opening ceremony at the Institute of Jamaica on September 25, 2008.
|
A second place entry in this year’s competition entitled, “Face of Lade Lane” by Jamila Pennie.
|