Reggae Sumfest Organisers reveal Jamaican reggae-dancehall Wall of Fame mural – Jamaica Gleaner
Organisers of Reggae Sumfest are unveiling a striking new mural in the heart of the city in Montego Bay, St James.
Commissioned by Joe Bogdanovich, chief executive officer of Downsound Entertainment, producers of Reggae Sumfest, the mural serves as the Jamaican reggae-dancehall Wall of Fame — honouring iconic figures who have left an indelible mark on Jamaica’s musical landscape. Featuring portraits of luminaries such as reggae legend Bob Marley, the i-Three, Beenie Man, crooner Beres Hammond, and dynamic performers Spice and Lady Saw, the mural promises to become a cultural landmark as Montego Bay prepares to host another edition of Reggae Sumfest this July.
In an interview, Bogdanovich shared that, as a master’s degree recipient from California Institute of the Arts, he wanted to transform spaces close to Sumfest’s Catherine Hall home in a way that would be aesthetically pleasing to not just locals but the host of visitors expected to pour into the island this summer.
“The work speaks for itself and it’s really to empowerment of the city. It’s so high definition. Maxi (Maximiliano Bagnasco), the artist, is the kind of professional that can really pull out the soul of his subjects. He does it naturally and I think he’s been doing a remarkable job with this work,” he said. “I think the responses we have been getting in Montego Bay so far are overwhelming. People are already pulling up in cars and taking pictures. They’re asking questions and those are not just tourists but locals. Everyone across the board is just loving what we’re doing here with this mural that has really enhanced the space.”
The artist, Maximiliano Bagnasco, shared that, on his first visit to Jamaica a few years ago, he was completely captivated by the island’s magic. Bagnasco emphasised the profound influence of Jamaica’s music on his creative vision.
“Firstly, this is the largest mural that I have executed in Jamaica. The first one I did was in an enclosed space. Now, this is in a public space for everybody to see. I had already come to Jamaica and the first trip was magical, just simply incredible. Then, Joe invited me back and, when they brought me in, I saw that great wall, so the idea immediately was to create this Wall of Fame of Reggae and I thought that was genius.”
With his expertise as a portrait painter, Bagnasco felt perfectly suited for the monumental task of creating the Montego Bay mural, which he described as a natural fit for his artistic style. Immersing himself in extensive research, he embarked on a journey through Jamaica’s vibrant entertainment history, drawing inspiration from the island’s rich cultural tapestry.
The culmination of his efforts, he revealed, promises to be nothing short of breathtaking, a testament to his dedication to capturing the essence of Jamaica’s musical heritage in vivid detail.
“Every time that I hear about painting faces, it’s a great incentive for me. For this particular work, I want the faces to be a true representation of the artistes. As I am here specifically and I hear the stories of these particular artistes, it just becomes more significant. Now I know artistes that I didn’t know before; Spice, Lady Saw, and, as I learned more, it became easier for me to decide which image would be part of the mural,” he shared. “It will be images that will be a representation of each artiste and it will be a magnet, a tourist hotspot.”
Bagnasco’s passion for his craft knows no bounds, as he envisions his murals as catalysts for cultural transformation.
“I would love to think that with my murals I can actually revolutionise whichever country I go to,” he said fervently. With each stroke of his brush, Bagnasco has the power to reshape landscapes and redefine perceptions, creating vibrant destinations that beckon tourists from far and wide. His mission goes beyond mere artistry; it is a quest to imbue spaces with the spirit of greatness, particularly in Jamaica where reggae and dancehall music reign supreme.
“I want them to feel the presence of reggae in all those who were significant to this genre of music,” he emphasised, underscoring his deep reverence for the artistes who have left an indelible mark on Jamaica’s cultural legacy.
He added: “With my work, my murals, I have been able to create a destination for tourists. My work is to transform spaces and I would like, when persons come to this mural, they will be in the presence of these great artistes,” he shared further. “I want them to feel the presence of reggae in all those who were significant to this genre of music, those who represent Jamaica and its culture.”
In spearheading this project, Jonathon Lamb, one of the curators, emphasised the significance of involving local artists in bringing the mural to life. Recognising the importance of nurturing homegrown talent, Lamb believed that their inclusion would not only underscore the enduring relevance of Brand Jamaica but also serve as a catalyst for inspiring future generations of local creatives.
By showcasing the diverse skills and perspectives of Jamaican artists, Lamb envisioned the mural as a powerful testament to the island’s artistic vibrancy and cultural resonance. Moreover, he hoped that their involvement would ignite a new-found passion for community-driven projects, and foster a deeper sense of pride in Jamaica’s rich artistic heritage among local acts.
“It was really important for us to include some Jamaican artists on this project, to ensure that Brand Jamaica was there, but that also with Joe (Joseph Risolia) importing and bringing international talent to Jamaica to paint for this project, that we could uplift local artists to share techniques and products so that Jamaican artists can learn and continue pushing the revolution for art,” he said.
Joseph Risolia, also one of the curators, echoed sentiments of unity and collaboration as he reflected on the collective effort that brought the artwork to fruition. For Risolia, this project represents the harmonious convergence of diverse talents and shared vision toward a singular objective. Looking ahead, he expressed lofty aspirations of leveraging this experience to pave the way for local artists to shine on the international stage.
“Our intention is to bring Jamaican artists to Korea or the United States,” he elaborated, “creating a platform for cultural exchange where ideas and techniques can be shared with the world.” He shared, his forward-thinking approach, underscoring his commitment to fostering global connections and elevating Jamaican creativity to new heights.
