... Artist reserves right to represent subject in own way – Watson
SCULPTOR RAYMOND Watson intimated that an artist reserves the right to represent his subject in his own way. That is what art is about, the Edna Manley College art educator said.
But should an artist not take into consideration the sentiments and sensibilities of the masses so as not to offend them? He was asked. “But it is not disregarding the sentiments of the masses,” he said, it is about how the artist feels.
Watson came under very strong criticism for his sculpture of National Hero Marcus Garvey, which was unveiled at the University of the West Indies last month.
Several persons said this, his latest work, was “rough” and bears no resemblance to Garvey. He shared with The Gleaner that he did the bust from a picture of a slimmer Garvey sitting in a chair. However, where he got that photo from seems to be a million-dollar question.
There is a widespread call for the bust to be removed and replaced with one that the masses can relate to. Garvey’s rotund, powerful visage is all persons say they are asking for. Watson said he has no control over what the university does with the bust, but he would definitely be “upset” if it should remove his art.
When asked to give a summary of his feelings about the controversy, he said, “I am disappointed that I have disappointed so many people. That was not my intention, but I really don’t see what is there in the thing to offend, or to offend the memories of Marcus . ... I don’t know.”