Hello:
Tyrell Collier is entering his final year at the University of Michigan. He is a Sociology and Afroamerican and African Studies major. He is President of both the Black Student Union (BSU) and EnspiRED. Tyrell writes about the group’s visit to the home of national artist Barrington Watson, whose works are in the National Gallery of Jamaica. Mr. Watson is an important figure in the evolution of Jamaican art.
Enjoy,
Nesha Z. Haniff
Director, Pedagogy of Action
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The Mountain Top
By Tyrell Collier
On Friday, we took a trip to the residence of Barrington Watson, world renowned Jamaican artist. The home sits at the very top of one of Jamaica’s many mountains, overlooking a beautiful view of the Caribbean Sea. I think I can speak for everyone in saying that I was amazed by the architecture of the 300-year old home. The estate included a main house, two guest houses and a separate building that housed his studio.
Once we entered the home, I was taken aback by all of the artwork displayed on every wall in the home, all works of Mr. Watson. Almost immediately, I noticed that he had a fascination with the naked body, particularly that of black women. Mr. Watson was generous enough to let all of us, including our drivers, walk around every part of his home, guest homes and even his studio.
He then engaged us in a conversation about the road he traveled in becoming an artist [VIDEO HERE]. I was touched by the story about his relationship with his father. The story was about his father’s initial disapproval of his interest in the arts as a career path. Like many parents, his father didn’t see the arts as a sustainable career choice and, in turn, did a lot to try to steer Mr. Watson away from it. He gained his father’s approval much later in his career when in honoring Norman Manley, Jamaica’s Premier, with a portrait, he saw the value and importance of his son’s gifts.
This was such a significant moment for me because, I know it took a lot of humility for his father to admit his errors to his son, and especially on a public platform as he did. I don’t have much of a relationship with my father, so it was really touching to hear how their relationship came full circle.
The trip to Barrington Watson’s home really set the tone for the generosity that we’ve been exposed to since arriving in Jamaica.
