Ashley James, PhD: Leading the 2024 Kingston Biennial as Guest Curator
The National Gallery of Jamaica (NGJ) proudly announces Ashley James, PhD, as the Guest Curator for the Kingston Biennial 2024. This event is poised to be a grand finale in NGJ’s 50th-anniversary celebrations, with the exhibition opening on December 15, 2024. Titled “Green X Gold,” the exhibition will explore themes related to the environment, nature, and land, inspired by the ecological symbolism of the Jamaican flag.
The Kingston Biennial: A Premier Exhibition
The Kingston Biennial is the flagship exhibition of the National Gallery of Jamaica, eagerly awaited by audiences both locally and internationally. Since 2019, it has evolved into a thematic, guest-curated exhibition, where an esteemed external curator is invited to shape its artistic direction. This curator works closely with NGJ’s Chief Curator O’Neil Lawrence and his Curatorial Team, developing the exhibition’s theme, and selecting the artists and their works. The artists featured in the Kingston Biennial are Jamaican and Caribbean creatives, both local and from the diaspora. Many may recall the 2022 Kingston Biennial, themed “Pressure,” which was curated by US-based Jamaican academic David Scott, PhD.
Introducing Ashley James, PhD
Ashley James, PhD, brings a wealth of experience to her role as Guest Curator. Born to Jamaican parents, she currently serves as Associate Curator of Contemporary Art at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City. At the Guggenheim, James curated notable group exhibitions such as Going Dark: The Contemporary Figure at the Edge of Visibility (2023) and Off the Record (2021), and co-curated Deana Lawson: Centropy (2021). Before joining the Guggenheim, she was Assistant Curator of Contemporary Art at the Brooklyn Museum and has contributed to numerous books, magazines, and catalogues. James holds a PhD in English Literature and African American Studies from Yale University.
The Theme: Green X Gold
For the 2024 Kingston Biennial, Ashley James has crafted the theme “Green X Gold,” which delves into the multiple meanings, ideologies, and myths associated with land and sea. James highlights how concepts of environment, nature, and land resonate globally but have particular significance for Jamaica and the broader Caribbean. The exhibition will feature artists who critically examine or reflect on the environment and its representation.
The title, “Green X Gold,” references the green and gold colors of the Jamaican flag, symbolizing the island’s lush landscape and bright sunshine. However, James points out that these colors also evoke themes of commerce, resources, and value. The “X” in the title suggests ideas of mapping, interconnectedness, and multiplicity.
A Word from the Curator
Expressing her enthusiasm, Ashley James stated:
“I am thrilled to lead this year’s Kingston Biennial, working alongside the exceptional team at the National Gallery. Focusing on contemporary Caribbean art offers unique art histories and ideas, and I look forward to the rich conversations that will emerge from bringing together a vibrant group of artists from the Caribbean and its diaspora, especially from Jamaica. It is an honor for me, both as a contemporary curator and as a Jamaican-American.”
NGJ’s Vision for the Kingston Biennial 2024
The National Gallery of Jamaica views the theme “Green X Gold” as both timeless and relevant, resonating with some works in its 50th-anniversary exhibition. Senior Director Nadine Boothe-Gooden commented:
“The Kingston Biennial 2024, themed ‘Green X Gold,’ explores the complex relationship between ecology and culture, capturing Jamaica’s rich natural environment and cultural heritage. The theme allows for numerous interpretations and holds global relevance, all while referencing the Jamaican flag.”
This year’s Biennial invites artists to explore and reinterpret these themes through various mediums, deepening our understanding and appreciation of Jamaica’s unique identity. The exhibition aims to inspire reflection on the balance between progress and preservation, innovation and tradition. The Kingston Biennial 2024 not only highlights the region’s artistic talent but also serves as a call to action for sustainable practices and cultural preservation, ensuring that Jamaica’s natural and cultural resources are safeguarded for future generations.
Looking Forward
The NGJ Management and Staff eagerly anticipate collaborating with Dr. Ashley James on the 2024 Kingston Biennial. This partnership offers a unique opportunity to deepen intellectual and artistic discussions around the symbolism of the Jamaican flag in relation to nature and nationhood. Furthermore, the NGJ looks forward to engaging with the artistic community to enhance public interest and appreciation of contemporary Jamaican art.
The Kingston Biennial 2024 promises to be a pivotal event, blending art with critical environmental and cultural themes, under the expert guidance of Ashley James, PhD.
Photo credit: Don Brodie
