Gene Pearson (1946–2018) was a renowned ceramicist and sculptor from St. Catherine, Jamaica. A graduate of the Jamaica School of Art (now Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts), Pearson was a pioneer in Jamaican ceramics and a master of Raku-style firing, which became a hallmark of his work. Over his career, he taught ceramics for nearly two decades and operated the Gene Pearson Gallery in Kingston. He split his time between Jamaica and California, working exclusively as a studio artist in his later years.
Best known for his iconic heads and masks, Pearson’s work celebrated black beauty, dignity, and cultural heritage. Drawing inspiration from ancient Nubia, Benin, and Rastafarian culture, his style was marked by its monumental, introspective forms and technical mastery. Pearson’s sculptures in clay and bronze have been featured in major collections, including the National Gallery of Jamaica and private collections of luminaries like Stevie Wonder and Maya Angelou.
In recognition of his contributions, Pearson was awarded Jamaica’s Order of Distinction and the Silver Musgrave Medal. His work has been exhibited widely and honored internationally, including appearances on Jamaican stamps and as official gifts to global leaders. Today, Pearson’s legacy endures as one of Jamaica’s most celebrated and influential artists.
