Visual Culture: Art in the Dancehall x Clarks in Jamaica in NYC

Words by Jesse Serwer—

Back in June, we told you about the Art in the Dancehall show put together by our friends at Shimmy Shimmy and DJ Al Fingers over in England as part of the Jamaica 50 celebrations there this summer. Now the show, which features the work of classic album illustrators Limonious, Jamaal Peete and Tony McDermott and Jamaican poster designer Sassafras along with recent work inspired by vintage dancehall aesthetics from contemporary artists such as Robin Clare and Ellen G, has made it to U.S. shores, via Miss Lily’s Variety.

What’s more, the opening of Art in the Dancehall at the downtown NYC record shop/gallery space tonight doubles as a book release party for Al Fingers’ Clarks in Jamaica. The book, released last month by Fingers’ own One Love Books, chronicles Jamaica’s long-running love affair with Britain’s most durable shoe brand through interviews with folks like Bunny Lee and Half Pint. Check out some images from the book here, and see Art in the Dancehall highlights here, and come through the party tonight if you’re in NYC.