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News : Local Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM


Barack Obama writes to Bahamian artist, Jamaal Rolle
Apr 29, 2016 - 12:45:21 PM

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The Celebrity Artist, Jamaal Rolle reading the letter form U.S. President, Barack Obama.

Nassau, Bahamas - Several days ago, Jamaal Rolle,The Celebrity Artist famous for his life-like portraits, was sent a letter of gratitude from The White House by President Barack Obama in correspondence with the artistic depiction of himself with other historical figures.

President Obama stated, “I want you to know I am moved by your thoughtfulness. Though we all come from different traditions and communities, I believe nations and individuals are stronger when they work together. By connecting across borders and cultures and holding firm to the ideals that unite us, we can move toward a future of greater peace and prosperity for all.”

“I was ecstatic to receive this gratitude and acclamation from President Barack Obama," said Rolle. "Mainly because he responded directly to my correspondence speaking on the topics of bridging cultures and interconnecting, and with the perspective that he is a inspiration to me toward being the best that I can be without boundaries."

"I see such global response on my artistic work coming from The President of the United States as something that further solidifies that Bahamians are on the same playing field as talent from all around the world. Sometimes I believe art is a subject that is misconstrued by persons attempting to place art in a box or category by their own adapted perceptions, but I think art in its subjectivity is fluent in the imagination as a bridge to communicate formalities of life in various aspects."

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Three individual works by Jamaal Rolle, featuring Barack Obama, Michelle Obama and Martin Luther King with Barack Obama.

Rolle said he appreciates representing his country to the world with having portraits presented to many famous people. "To me, this is not iconic or monumental to myself but for my country in a cultural and creative way to be seen and distinguish in such a way. I am thankful and always humble for it was a talent I was bless with by God," Jamaal Rolle said.

The Minister of Tourism the Hon. Obie Wilchombe, who was informed of the acknowledgement by President Barack Obama to Jamaal Rolle, stated, “This is a acclamation that no other artist has received in the history of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. Jamaal Rolle is achieving feats that no other artist has received, I congratulate Jamaal Rolle, and I am proud of what he continues to do and achieve.”

The Ambassador of the Bahamas to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) His Excellency Picewell Forbes said, "I am proud of you your talent is making access to you keep it better in The Bahamas."

Former President of the Senate the Hon. John Bostwick stated, “Jamaal’s work is nothing less than genius. The Bahamas has been gifted to have given the world just a little taste of what we can do.”

The Minister of Education the Hon. Jerome Fitzgerald stated, “The recognition of Jamaal’s struggle, enormous talent and drive by the leader of the free world is a singular honour, which Jamaal has earned. This honour is a testament to Jamaal’s commitment to his craft.”

Numerous others have added congratulations, in particular through social commentary.  Jamaal is representing the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, in a way that no Bahamian has before.
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Two works by Jamaal Rolle, featuring John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King and Barack Obama; and the second featuring Obama with Robert F. Kennedy.



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