Keith Cousins "Bodies in Motion: Movement, Moments & Magic" Catalogue

The Olympia Gallery and the Olympia Mini Gallery

c/o The Art Centre Ltd.

202 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6, P.O. Box 260

Jamaica, W.I.

Phone: (876)927-1608

Email:artcentregallery.ja@gmail.c om

Website: https://www.theolympiagallery.co m

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Catalogue design by Kevarney K.R.

Curated by DVALDDianne Val Douglas

ARTIST STATEMENT

Keith Anthony Cousins is a distinguished self-taught artist whose work captures the essence of Jamaica and its cherished values: freedom, resilience, and community. Born and raised in Jamaica until age 15, Keith migrated to Canada, where his career in architecture and construction honed his technical and artistic skills.

After decades abroad, Keith returned to Oracabessa, Jamaica, to reconnect with his roots and immerse himself in the island's vibrant culture. He crafts his sculptures from an eclectic mix of materials, including body filler from car repairs, fiberglass from boat construction, rust from old wheelbarrows, tree bark, saltwater stones, and coconut husks. Each piece transforms everyday items into extraordinary art, reflecting his innovative spirit and deep connection to Jamaican life.

Keith's art defies conventional European sculpture models, drawing instead from his rich Jamaican heritage and personal experiences. His sculptures, inspired by the everyday lives of friends and family, are dynamic expressions of life and culture, imbued with a sense of movement and emotion. Each piece tells a story, capturing the soul of Jamaica and offering a profound glimpse into the everyday magic of Jamaican life.

BODIES IN MOTION

“MOVEMENT, MOMENTS & MAGIC”

CURATORIAL STATEMENT

At the age of 74, Jamaican artist Keith Anthony Cousins presents his first solo exhibition, "Movement, Moments & Magic", a compelling showcase of sculptures that capture the vibrancy and uniqueness of the human form: some in motion, including the everyday moments that go unnoticed and some magical, exploring folklore and fairy tale. This exhibition expands on themes of Black masculinity and femininity as they exist within the Jamaican cosmos, while presenting a nuanced perspective of Black, particularly Jamaican bodies in activity.

Supported by his extensive career as a Latin dancer and his close proximity to the ocean, there is a strong theme of fluidity and magical sea creatures surrounding his work. He has had a long desire to create the enchanting kingdom of black fairies and mermaids. Coupled with his fascination with unique skin features such as vitiligo, birthmarks and moles, these elements serve as the foundation for his art.

His sculptures are an exploration of the unique features and ideas that celebrate the diversity and individuality of the human form. They are not merely static representations but are infused with a sense of fluidity and life, reflecting the everyday actions and movements from a Jamaican perspective that define our existence.

- DVALD - Dianne Val Douglas, Curator

USD $1200 “SLEEPING RUST FAIRY (WALL MOUNT)”

Body filler, wheelbarrow rust, string, coconut trash

12 x 17 inches / 30.48 x 43.18 cm