Garfield Morgan | What Lies Beneath?

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Garfield Morgan, “Untitled Colours,” no date

(courtesy of the Artist)

Garfield made a pragmatic choice about his life, which has resulted in a well-crafted journey as a full-time artist.  He completed an MFA in Painting at the Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas, where he was awarded the Post Graduate Fellowship in the School of Art at this Alma Mater.  

In January 2023, a book titled “Patchwork: Essays and Interviews on Caribbean Visual Culture” by Jacqueline Bishop, was published and included an interview with Garfield about his tarpaulin work in Jamaica. In July 2023, his work titled “Consumer Bird”, which was exhibited at the Beijing Biennale in China in 2010, was included in the international Climate Art Collection.  

Garfield relocated to Edmonton in 2023 and is the 2023/2024 Artist-In-Residence at Harcourt House Artist Run Centre. Garfield’s passion for art, and his dedication to the communities of which he is a part, come together in his practice, making compelling works that address several important issues. 

ARTIST STATEMENT

My acrylic paintings, mixed media collages, installations and reconstructions are a continuous cycle of reflection on man, his engagement with other human beings and his relationship with his environment. 

I incorporate non-traditional, discarded materials and objects as metaphor for the marginalized, racialized, oppressed peoples and cultures that I seek to resurrect from destruction and near invisibility to re-engage now as art. I embrace the AfriCOBRA aesthetic to “empower” people, see their innate value and to always portray them in a positive light. 

The re-use of castaway items and my other recycling efforts are attempts to tread lightly, thereby reducing my carbon footprint on the planet and also to create beauty from what might be regarded as waste. 

Don Wheaton Family YMCA 10211 102 Ave NW