ART IN THE DANCEHALL (2012)

Art in the Dancehall was the world’s first exhibition dedicated to the visual culture of dancehall music — a bold and long-overdue celebration of the genre’s graphic language, humour and global cultural reach. Curated by Suze Webb and One Love Books founder Alexander Newman, the exhibition sought to elevate the overlooked contributions of dancehall’s visual artists, many of whom shaped the music’s identity as powerfully as its performers and producers.

Touring venues in both the United Kingdom and the United States, the exhibition introduced audiences to a vibrant tradition of illustration, poster design, album artwork and fashion that developed alongside dancehall’s evolution in Jamaica and beyond. Central to the show were works by some of the genre’s most influential visual artists: Wilfred Limonious (Jamaica), often considered the father of dancehall illustration; Jamaal Pete (USA), whose bold album covers for labels such as Clocktower Records and Channel One helped define the genre’s look; Tony McDermott (UK), known for his iconic sleeves for Greensleeves Records; and Denzil “Sassafras” Naar (Jamaica), dancehall’s most celebrated poster designer whose iconic hand-drawn lettering and visual style remain highly influential.

Alongside these pioneers, the exhibition showcased a new generation of artists who draw inspiration from dancehall’s visual and musical culture, including Ellen G (Israel), Daniel David Freeman (UK), Gabe (Germany), Robin Clare (Jamaica) and Peter Edwards (UK) — five artists working across various mediums, united by a shared appreciation for the energy, colour, wit and social commentary that define the genre’s graphic traditions.

THE DRUM (BIRMINGHAM)
27 JUNE–13 JULY 2012

PUMA YARD (LONDON)
27 JULY–12 AUGUST 2012

KK OUTLET (LONDON)
21 AUGUST–3 SEPTEMBER 2012

MISS LILYS (NEW YORK CITY)
DECEMBER 2012