Antoneil Lyne is a sculptor and painter who’s work uses the technique of bas-relief to capture the imagination of the viewer. Antoneil come to Rome to study on the program in Summer 2011 and is currently exhibiting a series of his works at the iconic 67 Orange Street in New York’s Harlem district.
Antoneil Lyne is a sculptor and painter who’s work uses the technique of bas-relief to capture the imagination of the viewer. Antoneil come to Rome to study on the program in Summer 2011 and is currently exhibiting a series of his works at the iconic We spoke to Antoneil recently and he gave us an insight into the exhibition.
Tell us about the show
All the city pieces are inspired by Harlem. Each line is indicative of the movement created by the people, art, and life within Harlem. I see the lines of the city in the graffiti of the subway station, the edges of our buildings, windows and streets. The layers of this piece build the lines that create the city. It is within these layering lies years of Harlem’s history. The compiling of layers in an upward motion speaks to the changing current of Harlem’s future. The layers of the city are void without the movement and electricity of the people.
Each paper fish was individually hand crafted. They are motifs inspired by memories of my birthplace, Jamaica. Even though they are skeletal the bas-relief execution allows them to splash and come alive. From religious teachings of fish to familial fishing trips, every aspect of my life in Jamaica was influenced by this image. Memories of our past may be fragile but the memory alone keeps the connection from fading. At our core, we carry with us these inspirations.
How has your work changed since attending the Rome Art program
It has been three years since my trip to Rome. I was blessed with the opportunity to be surrounded by historical artistic achievement from the architecture, to the sculptures and paintings of great artists like Bernini, Caravaggio and Michelangelo.
The experience made a huge impact on my life; the city showed me that greatness could be achieved if one set one mind to it. The guidance of the tutors gave me the additional tools to explore the city and the words of Carol Robb and Jose Grave de Peralta, taught me to search for the essence of the city. These words have stuck with me and I have continued to search for this essence as try to covey it in my work.
What’s your favourite piece in the show?
My favorite piece in the show would have to be Hurricane. It gives me a strong sense of longing to be home. It’s a reminder to me that creation and the process of it can at times be calm and controlled whilst also be destructive and untamed. It’s very personal piece and it is an embodiment of who I am, where I’ve been and what is to come.
What’s next for Antoneil Lyne?
It doesn’t stop here, I will continue to make art and show it anywhere that will welcome it. I have a few group shows coming up that I’m excited to be apart of. I will be attending grad school at some point in the near future.
To find out more about what Antoneil is up to, you can follow him on Instagram @ Antoneillyne and on Facebook.