Gallery hosts work of Jamaican illustratorWilfred’s world

A fascinating exhibition at Gallery Oldham explores the life and work of prolific Jamaican illustrator, Wilfred Limonious (1949–99).

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

THE life and work of prolific Jamaican illustrator Wilfred Limonious is being celebrated at Gallery Olham.

Limonious was renowned for his newspaper comic strip, illustrations for the publications of the Jamaican Movement for the Advancement of Literacy (JAMAL) and most recognisably designing LP jackets and record centres for Jamaican labels such as Jammy’s, Power House, Studio One, Techniques, Ujama and Midnight Rock.

The touring retrospective has been put together by One Love Books and the exhibition includes reproductions of work from the early 1970s through to the mid-1990s.

Wilfred Limonious began his career producing comic strips for the Jamaican daily newspaper, The Star, with cartoon characters such as Amos and Chicken becoming particularly popular.

Despite being widely recognised among reggae and dancehall circles, Limonious’s illustrations are relatively unknown in the wider art world.

One of the exhibition’s curators, Al ‘Fingers’ Newman, said: “Wilfred Limonious is an important part of Jamaica’s cartooning tradition, and the father of what has become known as “dancehall art”.

His seminal work, particularly for the island’s music industry, continues to be relevant today and deserves far wider recognition.”

In Fine Style: The Dancehall Art of Wilfred Limonious (1949-99) — developed alongside a coffee-table book exploring Limonious’s life and work, due for release in August — opens tomorrow and will be on display until May 7 in the foyer area.