The Rita Marley art exhibition – a central feature of Bob Marley’s 77th birthday celebrations – will open this Sunday.
The Mystic of a Queen installation was organised by acclaimed curator, Berette S. Macaulay, with major input from Rita Marley’s children, family, and cherished communities to celebrate her exceptional life and achievements, and is the newest collection added to the Bob Marley museum. It includes archival photographs, personal collections, and accounts from close friends, associates, scholars, and loved ones.
“Mrs Rita Marley and her biographical work No Woman No Cry is but a chapter in her life,” states Lecia-Gaye Taylor, operations manager and legal counsel for the Bob Marley Group of Companies (BMG). “Her story is still being written, and the museum is enthusiastic about the exhibit also evolving to best showcase Nana Rita’s all-encompassing facets that are the ‘Mystic of a Queen’.”
Julia Vaz, BMG marketing director, shared that they are especially excited to host a delegation of government officials for a private viewing on Bob Marley Day, February 6, to officially open the exhibit, as they have been in talks with members of the Government about collaborations on Creative City of Music initiatives for Kingston. The delegation will include Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Leader of the Opposition Mark Golding, and Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange.
MYSTIC OF A QUEEN
Through ‘Mystic of a Queen’, visitors to the Bob Marley Museum will now have an opportunity to connect more deeply with all facets of the Cuba-born Jamaican’s legacy, not only as the wife of Bob Marley, but also as an artiste, businesswoman, arts and culture leader, human rights and education champion, grandmother, and philanthropist, as described by Macaulay. She explained the historical significance of the exhibit she has curated and how it speaks to important milestones in Rita Marley’s life, and the influence she has had on others through the years.
“Her life extends much beyond the boundaries of wife and mother – the recording of which stretches far beyond the scope of this initial installation,” states Macaulay. “Rita Marley’s work as a humanitarian and advocate for women’s rights and children’s education in Jamaica, Africa, and the diaspora, are cultural and social contributions that the general public is unaware of. I look forward to every visitor learning something new,” she shared.
The Mystic of a Queen Rita Marley exhibit will be a permanent fixture at the Bob Marley Museum, available for public viewing Mondays through Fridays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.