When artist Andy Warhol began hanging out with stars like Michael Jackson and Grace Jones at Studio 54 in the late 1970’s, he became a pop icon. Jamaican Lawrence L. Deacon is also rubbing shoulders with reggae’s in-crowd to help put his, and their creations, on the map.
Waves & Pain is the title of his latest work, an abstract painting that recalls the personal and professional challenges the 24 year-old painter has faced since 2015 when he launched his career.
It is also the name of his second exhibition which he plans to present in his hometown, Montego Bay, this summer. Not only will it feature his designs, but patrons will be introduced to an album of songs featuring upcoming reggae acts who share his world view.
“The aim of my next exhibition is to bring together music and art under one roof. Hence, why I’m producing my first invitational musical album Waves & Pain. I love music and as such I wanted to share the space since music is a integral part of my life. It would be very selfish of me to not include music,” said Deacon.
The album will feature songs by emerging acts such as G LAW, Isla Kove, Kwe, Meeky Runna, Ria Bleu, Av&nte and Eldeezy. Deacon has designed album jackets or posters for more established artists including Grammy winner Koffee, and Chronixx.
Deacon’s first showing of his Delawness brand took place in 2018 in Montego Bay. Since then, he has promoted his pieces on social media, which caught the attention of high-profile clients like Koffee and admirers from as far away as Australia.
Though he attended Jamaica’s Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts for two semesters, Deacon is largely self-taught and strives to go against the grain.
“The ideas I get are unorthodox but that’s what I want to bring — a difference. I’m not afraid to be different. This next exhibition will bring just that,” he said.
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