Queens Museum of Art – “Instrument for Four Persons”; Caribbean Art Objecs

“Instrument for Four Persons” by Everald Brown, a Rastafarian artist from Jamaica (1917-2002), is a sculpture made of polychromed wood, metal, plastic, and goatskin, circa 1992. The sculpture resembles an instrument and has unique, elaborate paintings of birds and islands, reflecting Brown’s Rastafarian and Jamaican background. The wooden leg also displays beautifully carved circles and vein-like shapes/patterns. Brown is noted for his early works, which consist of carved ritual objects and decorations. “Instrument for Four Persons” is based on Brown’s dreams, experiences, and meditations with nature; Brown believes everything is instilled with nature. The sculpture is fairly large, about the size of a small cello.

To me, the most striking quality of this sculpture was its unique construction. It was unlike any instrument or sculpture I have ever seen before and seemed like a hybrid of a guitar, harp, and drum. The vivid coloration of the sculpture stood out to me and the simple paintings of birds made it seem indigenous to Jamaica and African roots. To me, the artwork emitted a cheery vibe and legitimately made it seem as if I shared a connection with Jamaican culture, as if I were viewing a piece of Jamaica.

I believe the sculpture represents peace and coexistence. The incorporation of different instruments represents the integration of different cultures. Furthermore, the birds are symbols of freedom and peace within the Rastafarian belief. “Instrument for Four Persons” is a new and unique form of sculpture as it is a hybrid of different cultural ideas, and thus resolves the problem associated with cultural isolation and presents the possibility of cultural hybridity.

test Filed under Caribbean Art Objects | Comment (0)