72-year-old artist wins six gold medals in JCDC visual arts competition
KINGSTON, Jamaica — At 72 years old, Manchester-born artist Nugent Hewitt continues to prove that creativity knows no age, turning decades of passion and perseverance into gold, six of them to be exact.
Hewitt, who turns 73 in January 2026, has been named the Most Outstanding Overall Artist in the 2025 Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Visual Arts Competition, receiving six gold medals and one silver medal this year.
“I feel so good… . Even I got for the most intuitive artist for 2025,” he told JIS News in an interview.
Reflecting on the recognition, he added: “So here am I, taking in my work and other work and collect my award with happiness.”
Hewitt’s artistic journey began decades ago.
“From I was going to school, I love art… . When I write in my book and there’s a half a page, what I do, I draw,” he said, recalling his early experiences at Hatfield Primary School in Manchester.
His talent was recognised by classmates who would pay him to draw for them, a practice that helped propel his lifelong passion for the arts.
Over the years, Hewitt has consistently participated in JCDC competitions.
“My first try, I got a gold and a silver… . Even year before last, I got silver and bronze. Last year, I got gold and a silver and a merit badge. And this year now, I got seven medals, consist of six gold and one silver,” he said.
The seasoned artist encourages young artists to pursue their craft and showcase their work. “I have to say to you, whatever you are doing, try to do it to the best of your ability, whether painting or dancing, singing or whatever, and listen to others. Take what you have and show it to somebody else and ask them questions, like, am I doing good? Is this piece of work good? Or whatever. What can I do [to make it better]… . Tell me how, right?” Hewitt told JIS News.
He attributes part of his success to discipline and faith.
“First thing I say [before I start my work], Jah, help me to accomplish a nice piece of work… because you can’t live without God, you know. God is the source of my inspiration,” he said.
Describing his creative process and time frame to complete his art works, Hewitt said: “It all depends. When I’m into a certain mood, I just sit down and paint, and maybe it will take like two and a half days and so on… it all depends on the subject.”
Despite being the oldest competitor in this year’s competition, Hewitt’s work has consistently impressed the judges.
“I feel so good, but at the same time I’m looking on everybody like they are my age, because as artist everyone must move together… no matter what age you are… because that is not what counts. What really counts, you have something to give the public, right?” he said.
The most outstanding pieces from this year’s JCDC Visual Arts Competition are currently on display at the Olympia Art Centre on Old Hope Road, in St Andrew.
The exhibition, which recently opened, features an array of media, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, textiles, photography, and digital art; all of which were awarded gold medals during a ceremony held at the University of the West Indies (UWI).
Looking ahead, Hewitt said he is already thinking about next year’s competition.
“When I get home and it’s sunk in, then I say yes…What am I going to present next year… I want to be better, better subject, better rendition, applying paints, you know?” he said.
For the dedicated 72-year-old artist, art is a lifelong journey. “When I do it now and looking back on it, I say, yes God, you helped me. Because you can’t live without God,” he said, a testament to the dedication and faith that have sustained his remarkable career.
– JIS
