Rastafari and the Visual Arts

From Rastafari Education Daily,
A regular column by kaya, Sep 13, 2005         

Summary: "Rastafarian art, be it a painting, carving, song, or poem, is perhaps one of the most spiritual and personal art forms known to man. Each piece speaks of the daily struggles of the Rastaman and the hope that still burns inside them. Some images may seem unfamiliar to outsiders, but this is simply because they do not understand the symbolism and the thoughts that are put into such incredible displays of talent. The Rastafarians have contributed so much to their country's culture that goes by unnoticed. In the words of Barrett:"Great social developments are not always made in the halls of parliament or in the citadels of learning. These institutions merely react to the dreams of the creative mass. Some of the most creative trends in nations' development are born in the dreams of the visionaries, the radicals, the seers, and the charismatic prophets."(Barrett, 266). Many of these prophets are artists, and their beliefs are so strong that they are able to rise out of t poverty they live in and project their messages anywhere they will go. The Rastaman will be heard, and through the symbolism discussed in the previous pages, he can be heard. If only people will listen, and look."

 
The third album cover seen, is perhaps the most beautiful piece of art that has been discussed so far. This cover for a CD by the band"Aswad"pictures Selassie driving a chariot lead by four lions. In the background is an image of the African continent, and in the upper-right corner is the Lion of Judah. This whole scene is set in a space-like atmosphere, with various stars, planets, and nebulae surrounding the central image of Selassie and his chariot. The real beauty of this piece is in the portrayal of the lions and Selassie. Each lion has their mouth open in a vicious roar and steps towards the viewer in an offensive pose. The artist truely took advantage of the intimidating symbolism behind the Conquering Lion. He or she also added realism to the portrait by highlighting reflective points of light, seen on Selassie's left knee and on the right wheel of the chariot. These, along with the splash of light highlighting Selassie's head create a mystical, celestial atmosphere to the piece. This piece brings together many different symbols that have been seen in prior Rastafarian artworks; it has the most common, the colors, and also includes Selassie, the Conquering Lion, the star of Solomon, and the continent of Africa. Another impressive source of Rasta-inspired art is the plethora of wall paintings that can be found in Jamaica. Three of these have been shown in previous pages, but all of them had similar styles and symbolic imagery. A quite different style of wall-painting that is not thought of as art to some people. In fact, the definition of"graffiti"is"an inscription, slogan, drawing, etc. crudely scratched or scribbled on a wall or other public surface". This piece, which is at least 8x20 feet, certainly was not"crudely"scribbled onto the wall. It does not refer to Rastafarianism, but does use similar imagery; the colors and the use of the shape of Africa. The text of this piece, in the typical lettering of graffiti artists reads:"APARTHEID". The second letter"A"is attached with chains to a large ball which has an image of a kneeling man with chains on his wrists. The text above the humbly-kneeling man reads:"AM I NOT A MAN AND A BROTHER?". This piece of art, while not necessarily inspired by Jah Rastafari, certainly speaks of the issues the Rastaman deals with in his artwork, and could very well have been done by a Rastafarian graffiti artist, source being unknown! Ras Ilix Heartman wood carvings

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