Renowned Jamaican artist and art historian the Honourable Dr. David Boxer was presented with the Insignia of the Order of Jamaica (OJ) by Deputy Governor-General, the Honourable Steadman Fuller, during a special investiture ceremony held at the artist’s Devon Road home in Kingston on Tuesday (August 9, 2016).
In his address, the Deputy Governor-General lauded Dr. Boxer for his invaluable contribution to the development of intuitive Jamaican art, as well as the creation of a philosophical framework for the appreciation of art in Jamaica. “Dr. Boxer’s work and artistic eye, renders him invaluable to the art community, as well as in the validation of authentic Jamaican works,” the Deputy Governor-General stated.
He emphasized that, “When people in the course of their jobs or in the course of their lives enhance the well-being of their country, it is important to recognize their contribution in a very special way”.
Dr. Boxer who is ailing, served as Curator of the National Gallery for thirty-five years and lectured at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts for twenty years. He is one of 12 Jamaicans to be included in the Biographical Dictionary of the Caribbean.
The brief ceremony was attended by Prime Minister the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, the Hon. Olivia Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the artist’s family, members of the art fraternity and a host of friends.
Prime Minister the Most Hon. Andrew Holness in his remarks stated that the government thought it appropriate to honour Dr. Boxer, at this time, not just because of his artistic genius but moreso for what he has done for countless others in his unyielding passion to foster the growth of Jamaican art.