O'Neil Scott highlights Jamaican resilience in new art exhibition

Jamaican-born artist O'Neil Scott, who is based in Philadelphia, recently wrapped up an exhibition at EXPO Chicago with paintings focused on Jamaica's strength and the rebuilding process after Hurricane Melissa. The fair, which is owned by Frieze, is one of the major international gatherings in the art world, making the showing a significant step for Scott. His art has also been presented recently at the National Gallery of Jamaica.

"I see resilience in the decision to rise again and again, despite loss, disruption, and change. For me, rebuilding is more than a physical act, it’s also emotional and cultural. It’s about restoring not just homes, but identity, connection, and hope. Shaping something new from what remains while holding on to the belief that, even in the face of devastation, growth will continue," Scott told the Jamaica Observer.

Scott began the body of work in late October 2025, spending roughly five months developing the paintings. He said each canvas required about 200 hours on average, as he moved between pieces and waited for layers to dry.

The painter's interest in art started early, when he would fill notebooks with figures drawn from both imagination and real life. His practice draws influence from the Old Masters as well as modern realist painters. Moving from acrylics into oils became an important shift for him, giving his work more depth, flexibility and room to handle layered stories.

In his portraiture, Scott explores issues including social justice, climate change and other subjects rooted in individual experience as well as wider public concern. In 2025, he opened his first solo museum exhibition of large-scale works at the Zillman Art Museum at the University of Maine in Bangor, Maine.

While Scott has continued to build momentum, he said the journey has also brought challenges, particularly around artistic identity and direction.

"One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as an artist is understanding when I’ve truly found my voice; something I’ve come to realise doesn’t happen all at once, but gradually over time. I’ve navigated this by continuing to experiment and grow within my work, using each piece as a way to reflect on my journey and what I feel compelled to share with the world. By intentionally seeking a deeper understanding of who I am, I’ve been able to come back to my voice with a stronger sense of clarity and purpose," he said.

Scott is also encouraging emerging artists to keep working steadily and to remain committed to improving their craft.

"I’d encourage younger artists to remember that everyone’s journey looks different. It’s great to have a clear goal, but the path you take to get there won’t always match what others are doing, and that’s okay. The key is to trust your own direction, stay intentional, and keep pushing forward with resilience. If you can do that, you’ll find your way to where you’re meant to be," Scott said.