Biography on john dunkley jamaican artist

John Dunkley 10 December — 17 February was a self-taught Jamaican painter and sculptor. Though his fame is largely posthumous, he is considered one of the island's most significant artists. Dunkley's early life was filled with both adversity and adventure, which may account, in part, for his unique artistic vision. At the age of seven, an accident damaged one of his eyes, affecting his ability to learn in school.

As a result, he was sent for by his father who was living in Panama. Deprived of his father's wealth, Dunkley started earning his own livelihood. A banana plantation where he worked in Panama would later inspire a number of his paintings.

Biography on john dunkley jamaican artist: John Dunkley is what you would

He lost all of his belongings, but was spared his life. According to his wife, Dunkley, who was a Freemason , sent out the Masons' distress signal, which was answered by a lodge member on a passing ship. Welcomed aboard, he signed on as a sailor, traveling to England, Scotland, North and South America and numerous other places. He returned to Chiriqui, where he set up a barbershop and started painting in his spare time, encouraged by Clarence Rock, a prominent Panamanian photographer.