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| Derrick Dzine Dargan: Music For The Eyes Artist Derrick Dzine Dargan was inspired by the 'sea of people' at the Pasadena Jazz Festival last year. So, when he was selected as the official poster artist for the 11th Annual Old Pasadena Jazz Festival, presented by Omega Events, he was thrilled. The event's title inspired the soulful, whimsical and vibrant image that will debut July 22-23, 2006 at the festival on the lush grounds of The L.A. County Arboretum. "The art featured on the poster should compliment the music and the spirit of those who attend the festival. Last year, I witnessed a sea of people dancing, laughing, and just having a good time and so the concept that I picked reflects that experience, " Dargan said. "It embodied for me the meaning of the word 'celebration.' My motivation to paint has always been for the pure joy that it gives me and, hopefully, those who view it." "Omega Events started the Pasadena Jazz Festival in 1995, and in the past, has tapped into the talent of top visual artist, Charles Bibbs, for the poster's design. "The poster is a big deal, especially with festival goers, " said Omega Events President Rich Sherman, "and Dargan's piece will most certainly add to the flavor of our event this year." "Many jazz festival posters are now being recognized as fine art. Derrick certainly deserves this recognition for his winning design, " says Nedra Myricks, Art Director for Omega Events. The 2006 Pasadena Jazz Festival Poster will be especially unique. The poster will be derived from a painting on a metal medium, a technique that Dargan pioneered, and has gained much notoriety for. Although Dargan remains mum about the poster's design, he does offer a teaser -- "It's like nothing anyone's ever seen, " explains Dargan. Educated in New York and California, Dargan's artwork evolved over the years from detailed graffiti drawings into a passion for acrylic painting by 1995. "It introduced a vibrancy and fluidity which stimulated a new avenue for personal expression, " he said. His work was on display in many jazz festivals last year, and is on permanent display at his studio, Gallery by Dzine, and the Jazz Café, both in Ontario, as well as in homes throughout California and the U.S. He will also display at the 2006 Essence Music Festival in Houston, in July. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |