The National Gallery of Jamaica Received 1142 Entries From 80 Countries—And The Winners Are…
As part of their Worl-A-Reggae Exhibition, the National Gallery of Jamaica invited artists from all over the globe to submit designs for a competition. The winners include abstract and representational images, Jamaican and non-Jamaican artists, and two images of Lee “Scratch” Perry. Check out the five top rankin posters below, along with a word from the winner, who designed his dub imagery with an Israel Vibration. (When the exhibition closes in November 20th, the images will be auctioned off to support Kingston’s esteemed Alpha Boys School.) Images After The Jump
5th Place: Taj Francis, Jamaica
4th Place: Tomasz Bartz, Poland
3rd Place: Rosario Nocera, Italy
2nd Place: Zafer Lehimler, Turkey
1st Place: Alon Brauer, Israel
The winning design was submitted by Alon Braier, a 28-year-old freelance illustrator from Jaffa, Israel. Braier is not just a visual artist, he also plays saxophone and bass guitar for a variety of reggae bands. He spoke with Graphic Art News about how it felt to win the Reggae Poster Contest.
Tell us how you found out about the RPC and what is your impression?
I found out about the RPC through an Israeli site that feature design contests from around the globe. I was immediately drawn to the whole thing. It felt very professional and important yet fun and friendly.
What’s it like having your work selected 1st place in the RPC?
What can I say? It’s an amazing feeling. This is actually the first time I applied for an international design contest. Being a part of something so extraordinary and creative was exciting enough as it is, so I wasn’t expecting any big surprises. I’m still getting lots of warm feedback and appreciation from all over the world. It’s truly a great honor.
When did you become attracted to reggae music?
I was always fond of reggae music, but I really got into it about seven years ago. As a musician (I play the saxophone, and bass guitar) I played with several local bands and one of them included members that where connected to the Jerusalem reggae scene. Before I knew it I was taking part in reggae jam sessions and festivals. As a result, the first gig poster I ever did was for an Israeli reggae band named Reggaestan. Since then I’ve been following the local reggae scene and really enjoying it.
Goes to show Ini Kamoze was right, way back in 1984
