Juror - Kamar Thomas
Kamar Thomas is a fine artist from Port Antonio, Jamaica and is currently an Adjunct Professor at the University of Connecticut. He graduated with a Master in Fine Art at the University of Connecticut in 2016 and a BA from Wesleyan University in 2012.
“Selfie 2” - Selfie Series// Oil on Canvas
Thomas is inspired by people, specifically by the metaphorical masks that people wear depending on their individual situation at a particular period of time. Thomas is also fascinated by the exploration of how people adapt their behaviour and identity accordingly.
“Midas” - Myth Series// Oil on Canvas
Thomas created his colour intense artworks with mainly oil paints and charcoal. However, with the recent coronavirus pandemic, he has made the decision to switch to digital media.
“The One With the Three Heads” - Schizophrenic Masculinity Series// Oil on Canvas
Thomas’ stunning work is a fascinating example on the importance of colour theory; using colour to form his subject and creating intense works of art.
When viewing his personal portfolio one can also see his work being a broad exploration of black masculinity, delving in to its nature and formation within a changing socio-political and cultural milieu. He creates both large drawings and oil on canvas portraits that examine the contradictions, inconsistencies, conventions and fragility of identity inspired by the cultural differences encountered through emigration.
“Renaissance” - Midas Series//Oil on Canvas
When further explaining his work, Thomas said, “I encountered social and cultural differences between what “black man” meant in Jamaica and what it meant here (USA) which had implications for how one presents themselves and forms an identity. The resulting work explores the dissonances between the corporeal self, the represented self, the internal self and the social self within African American culture and the Caribbean diaspora.
“The Big Red One” -Schizophrenic Masculinity Series// Oil on Canvas
Kamar Thomas has been invited to be a juror in the 2nd Edition of the Boynes Emerging Artist Award. He summed up his desire to be involved by saying, “I think it is the responsibility of artists to help those along the journey in as many ways as they can. Awards have helped me tremendously and it is with honour I would like to participate in giving one away.”
To view more of Kamar Thomas’ art :