Art Scene: Jamaican Dancehall Signs

Maxine Walters’ unusual collection was gathered by scaling trees, poles, walls, and fences, crowbar in hand. The cause for such acrobatics? The vibrant Jamaican Dancehall Signs that dot the island—hand-painted (technically illegal) placards that are posted guerilla-style in the middle of the night to promote bass-fueled reggae parties. Appreciating the often-overlooked beauty of the pieces, Walters has been obsessively collecting for more than 12 years, and her impressive cache is now the subject of a new book, appropriately named Jamaican Dancehall Signs From The Collection of Maxine Walters, as well as an exhibition at Miss Lily’s Variety, the retail arm of popular New York City Jamaican restaurant, Miss Lily’s. Walters will be on hand tonight to sign copies of her book.

The collection is on display at Miss Lily’s through October 24.