Robin Clare - Art | Illustration | Animation

DANCING WORDS VOL 3

This continuing series of paintings charts the growth of dancehall dances on the island of Jamaica.

The Caribbean island of Jamaica still feels the repercussions of wealth extracted during its formative years as a slave colony. In 2023 the majority of Jamaicans still struggle to keep their heads above water and provide for their families. Yet the cultural output of the island has been influencing global popular culture for decades, from reggae music to popular dance moves performed by superstars like Beyonce. My work celebrates and examines the value of this cultural capital.

Badda Wave, Acrylic on Cotton Rag, 50cm x 40cm

Bogle Move, Acrylic on Cotton Rag, 50cm x 40cm

Boom Pon It, Acrylic on Cotton Rag, 50cm x 40cm

Butterfly, Acrylic on Cotton Rag, 50cm x 40cm

Fabulous, Acrylic on Cotton Rag, 50cm x 40cm

Fling Yu Shoulda, Acrylic on Cotton Rag, 50cm x 40cm

Genna Bounce, Acrylic on Cotton Rag, 50cm x 40cm (Sold)

Godzilla, Acrylic on Cotton Rag, 50cm x 40cm

Guilty, Acrylic on Cotton Rag, 50cm x 40cm

Hot Wuk, Acrylic on Cotton Rag, 50cm x 40cm

Kiss Mi Teet, Acrylic on Cotton Rag, 50cm x 40cm

Pop Yuh Collar, Acrylic on Cotton Rag, 50cm x 40cm

DANCING WORDS VOL 2 - STYLISH MOVES

The Stylish Moves series is made up of paintings in acrylic and ink on paper depicting specific dances created by dancehall choreographer Latonya Style, who I have collaborated with on a series of how-to instructional booklets titled Stylish Moves.

Classified, Acrylic on Cotton Rag, 50cm x 40cm

Cute Jook, Acrylic on Cotton Rag, 50cm x 40cm (Sold)

Determination, Acrylic on Cotton Rag, 50cm x 40cm (Sold)

Fantastic, Acrylic on Cotton Rag, 50cm x 40cm (Sold)

Flash It & Dash It, Acrylic on Cotton Rag, 50cm x 40cm (Sold)

Fling It Weh, Acrylic on Cotton Rag, 50cm x 40cm (Sold)

Flip Di Script, Acrylic on Cotton Rag, 50cm x 40cm (Sold)

Klassy, Acrylic on Cotton Rag, 50cm x 40cm (Sold)

Luvidubi, Acrylic on Cotton Rag, 50cm x 40cm (Sold)

Quality, Acrylic on Cotton Rag, 50cm x 40cm (Sold)

Trackle, Acrylic on Cotton Rag, 50cm x 40cm

Pretty Wine, Acrylic on Cotton Rag, 50cm x 40cm (Sold)

DANCING WORDS VOL 1

The Dancing Words series illustrates popular dances that have developed alongside the genre of Jamaican dancehall music. The images combine line drawings of repeated figures illustrating the moves and hand painted text giving the title of the dance.

Jamaican dance styles have been influencing pop culture since the introduction of skanking in late 50's when rocksteady and ska music came onto the scene. The emergence of dancehall in the late 70's followed suit with fast moving riddims and lyrical stylings that allowed dancers and choreographers to become an important part of the business of dancehall. The new style was led by Jamaica's godfather of dance, Bogle. Soon artists like Elephant Man and Beenie Man were writing lyrics that introduced new dance moves. With almost every new tune there were new moves to perfect. Many of the dance moves like the Bogle, Willie Bounce and Dutty Wine have crossed over to mainstream pop culture around the world, especially within the hip hop scene.

Today Jamaican choreographers like Latonya Style and Kimiko Versatile and dance crews like Black Eagles and Elite team to name but a few, continue to enrich the genre with their creativity.