“Looking for real music, here I’m the author
But why dese man dem don’t respect me?”
But when they want to make a hit back home for a little fame
Watch them lining up to check me, swear to God I’m trying to dodge all these...”-Guilda
“We killed the lights and let everyone inside. The only available lights in the room were the three blue strobes places in the corners and centre of the room. BAM! Music starts out of nowhere... FLICK! Lights come on... And Lian is amongst the crowd starting what turned out to be one of the most emotion-filled dance pieces I’ve ever seen. I think she set the tone for a night for the arts” – and that was the beginning of my first portrait exhibition. The night ultimately ended with me having to turn the music off, because it was an hour or so past ending time and people were still lounging and engaged in conversation. Apparently, my team and I had created an atmosphere that people did not want to leave.
One of my main techniques in terms of growing in my craft is to study the work of “the greats.” Mario Testino was having exhibitions; and Annie Leibovitz was having exhibitions; so what was I waiting for? Much of my work does not get to see social media, so I might as well have an outlet to showcase my pieces. After the exhibition in 2016, I decided I would exhibit annually. Things were in full swing for the 2017 exhibition when Hurricane Irma decided that “man was too hot” and needed some rain. It seems like she may have gotten carried away.
One afternoon while sitting at home, I heard a voice from heaven say, “Hello, is it me you’re looking for?” Or was that Lionel Richie? Well, that’s not exactly what happened; but I did have an epiphany. Instead of having another solo exhibition and getting lounge style music on YouTube, which can be turned off at will, why not collaborate with an amazing artist who sings and performs along that style. “So, Malaïka, wha you think about teaming up for an event that St. Martin ain’t ever seen yet?” What do you think she responded?
It’s now 2018 and Cameron Hyman alongside Malaïka Maxwell presents to you “Vision and Voice: Photography Exhibition Concert”. The entire concept just seemed like a perfect fit. My style of photography has grown to be more raw, intimate and vintage, while Malaïka’s style eclectic, but equally intimate and soulful. To be honest, we were itching to force it to happen in December, but for what we wanted to do, we needed more time. In the spirit of collaboration, we decided to bring in another amazing local talent, Kareem Brooks. Kareem is the hottest thing out since slice bread (Is that saying still live?) and it makes sense because he is the chef behind Chef B! We’re aiming for all of your senses, basically – your sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch will all be satisfied by this event.
Malaïka will be performing her own personal hit “This Journey” and featuring songs from some of the music industry greats like Mary J. Blige and Aretha Franklin. On the visual side, you will see some of my usual favourite faces like Sharity Schotel and Alanda Solomon, but I will also showcase a few new faces like that of Tiffany Duzong, Hanaya Merlet and Patrick Marcelino. The last that I could remember were some 45 pieces in total. Make sure to also be ready for the snack platters, treats and desserts from Chef B! He’s actually the secret weapon this time to make sure that no one wants to leave.
As artists, we look around and see a lot of unhealthy competition; the type of competition that aims to bring one another down instead of building each other up. So on March 24, I…well…we invite you to join us at Belair Community Centre for a night filled with amazing collaborations from some amazing local artists. If you’d like any other info, just shoot one of us a message on Facebook.
*Cues Kendrick Lamar, SZA “All The Stars”*
