Peter Ferguson shows Reneto Adams in a relaxed and pensive mood, perhaps musing on the changes he has wrought in the justice system.

Anthea McGibbon, Gleaner Writer

It took him 11 years, but at last he's done it. Peter Ferguson last Saturday opened an exhibition and launched his book, a collection of 101 chosen prominent male changemakers in Jamaica's history. The exhibition, an exemplary model of extraordinary quality, was opened at the Seaview Gallery.

Mounting the exhibition was one of the greatest challenge, for gallery owner, Wallace Campbell - a challenge he overcame when he transformed his passion for art into adding dimension and depth to the works.

The works, which are placed in relating categories, underline and/or reveal the 101 highlighted men.

At the gallery's entrance, the strategically positioned G-G Kenneth Hall, stately poised across from the late Perry Henzel peering through an open window at Jake's Treasure Beach, is a welcome teaser to the remaining delights. In the main room, which comes next, prominent politicians are carefully plotted across the front wall - P.J. Patterson, Edward Seaga, Bruce Golding and D.K. Duncan.

In this room, the captured Gordon 'Butch' Stewart and Richard Ashenheim images are dynamic. With good play of light and extreme dark, Ferguson balances the business icon in the centre of the design formed with the arched window. In the Ashenheim image, as is constant in the overall exhibition, design and detail, is key as the camera is intimately manipulated to capture minute lines and good tonal value.

The stairway

Along the stairs leading to the upper level showrooms, photographs of noted musicians in their placement play an extended musical note. Changemakers such as Sonny Bradshaw and Sly Dunbar are heard.

The stairs lead away from rooms exposing other artists in film, photography and painting such as Barrington Watson, Oliver Samuels, Dr. Boxer, and media personnel such as Oliver Clarke.

Upstairs, two noted religious figures, Fr. Richard Albert and Rev. Al Miller, complement the strongest image on the show overall - Father Richard Ho Lung - with as much grace as the strides they have made nationally. Father Ho Lung impacts as a sculpted saint.

Across the hallway are leading sports personalities, such as Horace Burrell grasping a football, and Rene Simoes. At the end of the hall sits an extraordinary snapshot of Reneto Adams, comfortably looking out the window. To his left, is the 'Jamaicanised' Mark Shields looking over a balcony.

Also upstairs is a corner for academia icons, such as Barry Chevannes and Dr. Alfred Sangster, who have sealed their places in Jamaica's history books.

The difficulty with not seeing one or two of the men in their expected traditional setting is quickly eased by Ferguson's focus on his theme 'Changemakers'.

The diversity of approach, enhanced by a creative mind to maintain subject individuality, makes the exhibition a dynamic refresher.

The subject, some of Jamaica's powerful men, "who have excelled in their respected field", makes his unique photographic essay a must-read and a must-view. His aim in essence, however, is a celebration of all men and a strong shout for more positive role models.

"Diversity was my approach to portraying the Changemakers, in order to maintain each subject's individuality. Working in their personal space gave me greater latitude for innovation and creativity," he said. None of the photographs were taken in less than two hours.

Ray Chen is without his camera in hand and Denis Lalor without his horses, but are no less comfortable.

Oliver Clarke, 'Bill' Clarke and Wallace Campbell were just a few captured in their stolen moments of relax time. Having done their utmost to change the face of Jamaica, there is proof that they, too, pause for a rest.

There are glamour shots, such as of Cliff Hughes and Leahcim Semaj, but we are also taken into the lab of Manley West.

Peter Ferguson says that in some instances he had to wait for as long as four years to get his subject, but is happy with the outcome. Going beyond average photography, with no particular preference to natural light, he uses his tool to create masterfully as both a commercial and fine art photographer, especially when supported on the 'broad shoulders' of his wife.

One of his greatest moments was "meeting the man Rene Simoes, the gentle giant who motivated the Reggae Boyz and unified a whole country, if only for a short while."

Guest speaker, Spanish Ambassador Jesus Silva, was grateful for an opportunity to speak on something else besides hotels. With 15 years as an international collector of modern contemporary art, he reflected on the long-standing relationship between the Spanish and Jamaica. Ferguson's portraits, he commented, is a unique way of getting to know the Jamaican people and the variety of Jamaican elements. Still, his one regret was that some of the persons captured were unaware of the book and exhibition he described as 'unforgettable souvenirs' that masterfully presented the culture, art and youthfulness of the country.

Psychological photographs

Speaking with The Gleaner, the ambassador described the photographs as very psychological, representing who the people are and what they think and feel for Jamaica. "They are not just photographs, but art resulting from creativity." Silva considers the quality of art education of high importance, and noted that the collection reflected big trends in history, art books, and influences from Spain.

Further elaborating, he said the universal themes and values of art history are well represented in Ferguson's works, e.g., the portrait as one of the classic themes, as by Spanish artists.

Canadian High Commissioner Denis Kingsley, after eight months in Jamaica, has cultured an appreciation for Jamaican art. Impressedby the displayed work of Ferguson, he described the works as 'absolutely fantastic', which reminded him of Yosuf Karsch, a well-known photographer back in Canada. The works, he said, were of very good quality being more of art than photography per se.

Mark Mahfood, in applauding the 'excellent job', described Ferguson's efforts as good entrepreneurship, and expressed his satisfaction that Ferguson was unlike most photographers "who just take photographs".

Although looking forward to a similar book on women, attending females were appreciative. Both Lisa Adams and Romae Gordon admired the beautiful black and white photography of Jamaica's leading men.

Anthea McGibbon, a graduate of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, has more than 10 years experience in the fields of journalism and the arts. Contact her at islandartattack@yahoo.co.uk or anthea.mcgibbon@gleanerjm.com.