Graphic Interlude
Full text
Artist Statement
1My art speaks in the context of “time”; in the black Diaspora identity, race, class, gender, and sexuality. I privilege no one medium; I used fine art; photography; people at work and on a journey about their everyday life. My photography supports the conceptual and visual connections in my paintings. In Florida, I continued my Adam & Eve series, where my present linear colour style evokes a new language. I explored using acrylic and oil pastel on watercolour paper.
2In Jamaica, I experimented with painting on wood using acrylic and oil pastel on paper. Prior, I used oil paint which was my favourite medium, and still is.
3I immigrated to Canada in 2017, my first painting here was in the new medium that I am exploring: acrylic and oil pastel on paper. The subject was first in the Lino cut-print medium, from the series of work on the theme “Time Passes”, that I had done for my graduation show in 1990. People reading is one of my favourite themes which is an extension in context with the series “Time Passes”. Literature inspires my work, precisely the Bible which informs a series of religious themes from my early career. In two thousand nineteen, I was inspired when I had asked God’s guidance on a religious concept that I was struggling with. God gave me the answer: “The four archangels”.
4I continued the series until two thousand twenty two. My art speaks in the future tense in the context of time. It contextualizes the concept of the duality of the meaning of the imagery. My style is an expression of my philosophy which becomes a language. It expresses my deep awareness of global issues and is counterbalanced with my cultural heritage.
5John Powell 2024
“Adam & Eve”, by John Powell
Figure 2. “Adam & Eve” by John Powell

Medium: acrylic & oil pastel on water color paper, Size: 36” x 24”
John Powell, 2024
Curriculum Vitae
6EDUCATION:
1993-1994: University of the West Indies (Mona)-Jamaica
1990: Edna Manley-Certificate Fine Arts (HONORS)
1986: Knox Community College
EXHIBITIONS (SELECTED INTERNATIONAL GROUP EXHIBITIONS):
2019: 1st. International Biennial “Woman & Peace”-travelling project-Italy-
Netherlands, “specially invited by Master Dr. Gladys Mabel Cantelmi
2019: Major group exhibition in Turkey-Art Gallery Nigde
2016: Haegeumgang Theme Museum -South Korea-2nd International Environment Exhibition
2015, August 15-29: Canada/Toronto-Gallery 50,50 Gladstone Avenue
2014, August 9-31: Canada/Toronto-Gallery 50,50 Gladstone Avenue
2014, July 24: Major International Group exhibition-Time Square billboard
2013, November-2014, January: Group exhibition USA
2013, July 11-24: International Art Exhibition title: EXPOSURE
26-19 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City, Queens, NY
2013, June 10: Art Takes, Time Square, Broadway-New York
2012 SCOPE Art Show Miami
2012 Art Takes, Time Square Premiere event, Broadway-New York
2012 June 18-July 1
2012, May 18: Nyiracsad ThanMor Art Museum-Hungary Europe
[the works remain in the collection of the Museum]
2011-2012 (December 17, 2011 to July 30, 2012): Space Gallery-
Climate Change World touring Exhibitionm Rome/Italy
2008, 2009, 2011: World HIV/AIDS Day art exhibition, Miami International
University of Art & Design 1501 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami
MEMBERSHIPS:
International Culture & Arts Federation-ICAF, Art Committee
Haegeumgang Theme Museum, Expert member of Painting
National Gallery of Jamaica, Metropolitan Museum of Art
Contemporary Who's Who, Board member
American Biographical Institute
Webism Group of Worldwide Artists
ISA-International Society of Artists
AWARDS:
2019: Artist of the year -Italy/Rome
2018: Prestigious Julius Caesar Art award- The Best Modern and Contemporary Artist in the World-Italy/Rome
2014: Inducted/honored in 12th Caribbean “Hall of Fame” award for excellence in fine arts
2012, November 23: Inducted/Honored in 11th Caribbean “HALL OF FAME” – Award for Excellence for Visual Arts
2012: Man of the Year, by American Biographical Institute, Inc.
2007: Man of Achievement Award, by American Biographical Institute Inc.
2007: Gold Medal for Jamaica, by American Biographical Institute, Inc.
2005: Honorable Award-Bird International Art Award,
Commonwealth Competition, Beijing Natural Culture Center (Beijing China)
CURRENT CV:
Full time artist and art consultant since December 31, 2012
Studio in Florida and at present immigrating to Canada, also as full time artist
TEACHING EXPERIENCE:
Taught art, Social Studies, English Language and Bible Studies in Government High Schools and private schools for 18 years, and I was employed by the Northern Caribbean University-(NCU) for 3 years
SCHOLARSHIP:
1986-1990: Rotary scholar
PUBLIC DONATION OF ART WORKS:
2018: Rotary Clubs of Nelson British Columbia
2014: Rotary Club of Christiana Manchester Jamaica
1990-1991: United Way of Jamaica
List of illustrations
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Title | Figure 1. John Powell |
URL | http://journals.openedition.org/angles/docannexe/image/8390/img-1.png |
File | image/png, 198k |
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Title | Figure 2. “Adam & Eve” by John Powell |
Caption | Medium: acrylic & oil pastel on water color paper, Size: 36” x 24” |
Credits | John Powell, 2024 |
URL | http://journals.openedition.org/angles/docannexe/image/8390/img-2.jpg |
File | image/jpeg, 377k |
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Title | Figure 3. John Powell Paintings’ Logo |
Credits | John Powell, 2024 |
URL | http://journals.openedition.org/angles/docannexe/image/8390/img-3.jpg |
File | image/jpeg, 26k |
References
Electronic reference
John Powell, “Graphic Interlude ”, Angles [Online], 19 | 2025, Online since 01 April 2025, connection on 12 June 2025. URL: http://journals.openedition.org/angles/8390; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4000/13ofr
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