Edna Manley

Born:

March 1, 1900, Yorkshire, England

Died:

February 2, 1987, Kingston, Jamaica

Nationality:

Jamaican

Profession(s):

Sculptor, Artist, Educator

Early Life and Education

• Born Edna May Burke in Yorkshire, England.
• Educated at West Cornwall College for Girls and later at St Martin's School of Art in London.
• Her artistic talent was evident from a young age.
• Married Norman Manley in 1921.

Career and Major Achievements

• Moved to Jamaica with her husband in 1922.
• Became a pivotal figure in the Jamaican art movement.
• Known for her sculptures reflecting social and political themes, particularly Jamaican nationalism.
• Played a key role in the development of Jamaican art education.
• Helped establish the Jamaica School of Art (now Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts).
• Actively involved in Jamaican politics alongside her husband, a key figure in the Jamaican independence movement.

Notable Works

• Negro Aroused (1935)
• Prophet (1936)
• Pocomania (1940)
• Digging (1941)
• Mountain Women (1952)
• Many commissioned portraits and public sculptures throughout Jamaica.

Legacy and Impact

Edna Manley is recognized as a pioneer of modern Jamaican art and a significant figure in the development of a national cultural identity. Her work explored themes of social justice, cultural heritage, and the Jamaican experience, influencing generations of artists. Her contributions are essential to understanding the development of Jamaican art. The phrase 'edna manley artist biography' often appears in discussions of her significant contributions to Jamaican culture.

Awards and Recognition

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