72-y-o Nugent Hewitt wins big at JCDC Visual Arts Competition

JIS:

Manchester-born artist Nugent Hewitt has won seven medals in the 2025 Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Visual Arts Competition: six gold and one silver.

The 72-year-old, who turns 73 in January and was named the Most Outstanding Overall Artist, said he felt “great happiness” about the awards.

Hewitt’s artistic journey began decades ago. “From I was going to school, I love art… . When I write in my book and there’s a half a page, what I do, I draw,” he said, recalling his early experiences at Hatfield Primary School in Manchester.

His talent was recognised by classmates who would pay him to draw for them, a practice that helped propel his lifelong passion for the arts.

Over the years, Hewitt has consistently participated in JCDC competitions. “My first try, I got a gold and a silver… . Even [the] year before last, I got silver and bronze. Last year, I got gold and a silver and a merit badge. And this year now, I got seven medals, [consisting] of six gold and one silver,” he said.

The seasoned artist encourages young artists to pursue their craft and showcase their work. “I have to say to you, whatever you are doing, try to do it to the best of your ability, whether painting or dancing, singing or whatever, and listen to others. Take what you have and show it to somebody else and ask them questions, like, am I doing good? Is this piece of work good? Or whatever. What can I do [to make it better]… . Tell me how, right?” he said.

Describing his creative process and the time it takes to complete his artworks, Hewitt said: “It all depends. When I’m [in] a certain mood, I just sit down and paint, and maybe it will take like two and a half days and so on… it all depends on the subject.”

Despite being the oldest competitor in this year’s competition, Hewitt’s work has consistently impressed the judges.

“I feel so good, but at the same time I’m looking on everybody like they are my age, because as an artist everyone must move together… no matter what age you are… because that is not what counts. What really counts [is] you have something to give the public, right?” he said.

The most outstanding pieces from this year’s JCDC Visual Arts Competition are currently on display at the Olympia Art Centre on Old Hope Road, in St Andrew.

The exhibition, which recently opened, features an array of media, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, textiles, photography, and digital art; all of which were awarded gold medals during a ceremony held at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona campus.

Looking ahead, Hewitt said he is already thinking about next year’s competition. “When I get home and it’s sunk in, then I say yes…What am I going to present next year... I want to be better, better subject, better rendition, applying paints, you know?” he said.

For the dedicated septuagenarian artist, art is a lifelong journey. “When I do it now and looking back on it, I say, yes God, you helped me. Because you can’t live without God,” he said, a testament to the dedication and faith that have sustained his remarkable career.