International Eye LA presents ‘Two Faces of Jonkonnu: Resistance and Joy’ at West Hollywood’s Plummer Park Community Center on Saturday August 10 from 5pm - 7:30pm. This multimedia installation juxtaposes the joyful play of Jonkonnu performance with the serious social commentary and resistance embedded in its masks, characterizations, movement and music. Supported by grants from the City of West Hollywood Arts Division and the Alliance for California Traditional Arts, this iteration of the project brings to life an immersive and contemporary presentation as Kellier imbues the unique Jamaican Jonkonnu characters with grace and elegance while featuring original character sketches from the 1770’s to highlight the history and social commentary that underscores the reason for the practice at the origin point of the tradition. Two Faces of Jonkonnu: Resistance and Joy explores the triumph of human spirit to find joy in the face of overwhelming oppression. This project is a continuation of the work by artist Marie Kellier to strengthen and explore the many aspects of Jamaica’s Jonkonnu tradition.
