Jamaican graphic artist and photographer Neville Garrick, Recognized for his award-winning work as art director of the reggae legend Bob Marley, died on tuesday 14 from November at night to 73 years in California.
Garrick passed away surrounded by his loved ones after a “brief, but brave fight against cancer”, as announced by his relatives in a statement.
“Your prayers for our family during this difficult time are deeply appreciated as we come to terms with this great loss.. Neville was a Jamaican graphic artist and visual designer., recognized for his extraordinary contributions to the world of music and art”, expressed the family in a writing shared on Garrick's social networks.
Born as Kenneth Neville Anthony Garrick, He developed an artistic career of more than 50 years, leaving his mark on music album covers, posters, logos and set designs.
Part of his legacy
Garrick studied at Kingston College in Jamaica and then went to the University of California, Los Angeles. (UCLA) with a football scholarship, during which time it became a vital part of the Civil Rights Movement, guided by the renowned political activist Angela Davis.
At that time he was an active part of the Black Student Union, while serving as associate editor of Name, the country's oldest ethnic publication on a university campus.
On his return to Jamaica, early and mid years 70 He served as art director of the newspaper Daily News, but his most recognized work is for the design of several Marley album covers., as well as backdrops for the festival Reggae Sunsplash during the decade of 1980.
Part of his artistic genius developed in more than 100 album covers created for artists like Marley himself, Jimmy Cliff, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, Burning Spear, The Wailers, Steel Pulse y I- Threes, among others.
His work with Bob Marley
According to the family itself, “one of his most iconic achievements was the stunning set and lighting design 'Haile Selassie I', who accompanied Bob Marley during the revolutionary decades of 1970 Y 1980, solidifying Garrick's status as a visionary force on the global creative landscape”.
Likewise, Among the main covers he created for Marley are Rastaman Vibration, Exodus, So, Uprising, Survival, Babylon by Bus Y Confrontation.
In fact, the cover of Rastaman Vibration It was also recognized by the magazine Billboard occupying the position 22 of the 100 best album covers of all time.
His last project with the Marley family was in the role of historical advisor to Paramount Films for the Bob Marley film that will be released in February 2024.
Just a few months ago, the 6 last August, He was recognized by the Government of the island for his contribution to music, art and culture locally and internationally, granting him the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Commander (CD).
At the time of his death, Garrick was working on “Color the Music”, a documentary with his son, In this, which chronicles his illustrious career and completes a series of hand-painted artworks celebrating black culture.
Leaves his brother Derek; to his three children Christopher, Naomi and Nesta; to his grandchildren Ajani, Leo and Lola; among others in his family, colleagues and friends.
