The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer


jgibson@tribunemedia.net

FASH|Art 2012 was dubbed a success by organisers, accomplishing the event’s main goal to give emerging fashion designers and visual artists a platform to display their craft.The two day event opened with the Jackson Burnside Emerging Artist showcase at the Public Treasury Building. The six artists participating in the exhibit submitted three pieces for judging.The pieces ranged from art on canvas, to photography, to live body art.

Abaco artist Attila Feszt walked away as winner of this segment. He was awarded $1000 and an upcoming display of his work at Doongalik Studios and Art Gallery.
“I like to capture the essence of the scene and I like to take it from the perspective that people would not usually expect. This is my first time participating in Fash|Art. I was not sure at first if I wanted to join because initially I had missed the deadline. But I said what the heck I am going to submit my pieces anyway and I do not regret it. It was a really exciting experience because my work was on display and people got a chance to see it,” said photographer Andrea Guerrero.

Body art renderings from Selina Sweeting; paintings like “Mermaid Warrior” by Lesean Bowe; Sweet Rake N Scrape made from denim by Verna Wood; and nude painting “Skinny Love” by Trameco Gibson, and work by Andrew Weech also captured the attention of event patrons.

The second night highlight was a major runway show, where high fashion attire by emerging designers took centre stage. Models strut the catwalk in funky designs: dresses, rompers, pants suits, jazzy high fashion formal dresses with floral prints, metallic fabrics, leather and other styles.

The other fashion contestants included: Cardell McCall and Christopher John, Kenria Smith, Nykarlio Ferguson, Avis Wood-Munroe and Shaquille Johnson.

Winners of Stylezine Magazine’s People’s Choice Awards for Fash|Art were Theodore Elyett for fashion, Angelique Sabrina for entertainment, and Jamaal Rolle for the visual art category. The top five nominees were selected by a secret panel of experts sharing over 40 years of experience. The nominees were chosen based on their consistency, talent and creativity. Voting started in September and commenced last month on Facebook.