One of the exhibits of Jamaican contemporary art. Photo: Roberto Ribeiro OAS

Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Representative to the OAS, Gordon Shirley, inaugurated the exhibition, along with Jamaican Education Minister Maxine Henry-Wilson and OAS Assistant Secretary for Political Affairs Dante Caputo. Several of the artists whose works being shown attended the opening reception, along with diplomats from several OAS member countries and guests from the Washington area, many of whom are part of the Jamaican diaspora.

In their remarks, both Ambassador Shirley and Education Minister Henry-Wilson stressed that the artists represented have much to offer their home country, even though they are living abroad. They also noted the diversity of the Jamaican experience evident in the exhibition, which includes artists of Indian, African, European, Middle Eastern, Chinese and Sephardic descent.

Caputo, who spoke on behalf of the OAS Secretary General, talked about the importance of intercultural exchange as a way to deepen understanding among the countries of the region.

The exhibition will be on view through October 29.