- Dennis CokeCynthia Klipp, wife of Erik Klipp, the Netherlands Ambassador to Jamaica, contemplates "Eden" at the Mutual Life Gallery in Kingston. Occasion was the recent opening of the exhibition "Visions of Eros", featuring 27 works by sculptor/painter Susan Alexander.
Georgia Hemmings, Staff Reporter
"VISIONS of Eros" was nearly sold out (six of 27 pieces unsold) when The Sunday Gleaner viewed the exhibition at the Mutual Life Gallery last week.
And it was rather refreshing to see so many red stickers - not only because they spoke of actual purchases, but they demonstrated that collectors are still prepared to invest in good Jamaican art.
Their interest might have been prompted by the fact that this exhibition is the first solo exhibition by painter/sculptor Susan Alexander in the last 10 years and regular collectors were just waiting for what she had to offer.
The works on show are exquisite, and beautifully executed around a theme of romantic and/or erotic love.
Nineteen wall reliefs and six free-standing original bronze sculptures make up the exhibition, and most of the pieces are influenced by mythology and legend, and a few by religion.
The poliform reliefs capture the magic of legends in Leda (and the Swan), Europa (and the Bull), the three Graces, and the Biblical tale of Samson and Delilah.
Single erotic related figures are also portrayed - wine god Bacchus, egotistic Narcissus, the temptress in Siren Song and the masturbatory Onana.
Religion contributes to Salome and Eden, the latter a triptych depicting the romance of Adam and Eve, their partaking of the forbidden apple, and subsequent banishment from the Garden of Eden.
But the other works explore relationships - whether sexual or platonic - and the compositions of two or more figures make for thoughtful interpretation.
What can be deduced from Triad 11( three entwined female forms) or Triad 111 (two males and a female)? Does Options speak to homosexuality or group support? Is it sexuality or romanticism that is being explored when Venus and Adonis pose?
According to the artist, she wanted to portray relationships, especially positive relationships.
"Based on my personality, I am not into anger or depression or negativism, and this is what I wanted to portray - positiveness. Whether it be between man and woman, or two women or a group," she told The Sunday Gleaner last week.
Still, despite her intent and the titles provided, "every piece of work will be interpreted differently by the viewer," she said.
The title of the exhibition was suggested by her son, who is studying abroad, and he also provided research material to assist her in execution of the pieces.
The sculptures are fluid and dynamic, and strongly portraying feelings of closeness and intimacy.
Visions of Eros is in celebration of the artist's 50 years of practising in Jamaica, and many of the pieces for the show were done during last year.
"It is a year's work that usually goes into an exhibition, and most of the poliform reliefs in the show were done during 2000," she told The Sunday Gleaner.
The bronze "artist's proofs", were shown at other times, but incorporated in this exhibition, in keeping with the theme.
The works were "reasonably priced" to allow for sales, starting from a low of $30,000. Bronze reliefs were a bit more expensive, taking into consideration factors of size, material and labour.
But, as Mrs. Alexander explained, her pricing policy was guided by the dictum that "art must be seen and appreciated."
"Art is a means of communication," she stated, "but with whom am I communicating if works are not sold, and put up to be appreciated?"
She is thrilled that sales, so far, have been good and anticipate more work on commission after the show. But she will continue working, putting in between six to 10 hours daily, even when she does not feel like working.
I'm a very disciplined person regarding my work, having been brought up this way," she said. "But even when I do not feel like working, once I get started, I am caught up into the work completely."
Prizes
During her career as a painter and a sculptor, Mrs. Alexander has staged solo exhibitions in Jamaica, the United States and Canada. She was commissioned to do murals for the First National City Bank of New York, Alumina Partners of Jamaica, the German Embassy in Kingston and Guardsman Limited.
She has created altar pieces for several churches in Kingston, and her work is represented in corporate collections such as the University of the West Indies, the National Gallery and the Bank of Jamaica, and numerous private collections.
Mrs. Alexander was awarded several prizes in the Festival fine arts exhibition locally, and last year she received the international Swimming Hall of Fame 2000 Artist of the Year award in Fort Lauderdale, U.S.A.
The artist has been involved in an art programme in prisons in Jamaica, and she and her husband were owners of the Upstairs Downstairs Gallery in downtown Kingston, which was utilised to promote promising artists.
The exhibition will continue until February 3, and viewers can pass by and enjoy the artist's creations.
