Mel Cooke, Gleaner Writer

Susan Alexander gives Prof Rex Nettleford a copy of her book on paintings and sculpture titled 'Jamaican Journey', at the launch held at the Terra Nova Hotel, on November 16.

Susan Alexander's Jamaican Journey may have taken decades to reach this point, but it only took a few minutes for the 108-page hardcover book covering the artistic voyage to be officially presented to the public.

The full-colour publication contains images of Alexander's work.

Sunday evening's launch at the Terra Nova, Waterloo Road, St Andrew, was long on socialising and short on 'speechifying'. The full house was called to order and immediately introduced to guest speaker, Lady Hall, wife of Governor General Sir Kenneth Hall.

Keep it short

Lady Hall said Alexander had requested that she keep it short and not focus on the works' creator too much. While brevity was not a problem, Lady Hall said "if you are going to launch a book by an artist of Susan Alexander's standing" then not focusing on her was not an option. Alexander "captures the complexity of the Jamaican reality", she said.

Lady Hall said Jamaican Journey expresses Alexander's "lived experience", adding "I emphasise 'lived' as opposed to indigenous".

Lady Hall referred specifically to the diasporic linkages in 'Out of Africa' and Alexander's treatment of animals in 'Peace on Earth' and 'Grazers', where she focuses on horses and cattle, respectively.

There is another kind of form that gets extensive treatment as well, Lady Hall said, pointing to Alexander's "focus on the movement of the human body in the dance". This is done both in two and three-dimensional presentations.

"This is an exciting Jamaican journey. She is inviting us all to share in the results of that experience," Lady Hall said, closing with happy birthday wishes to Alexander.

In keeping with the brevity of the evening's relaxed formalities, Rosina Moder played a piece on the recorder without introduction and, when she was finished, Alexander simply invited all to enjoy the evening.

Glynne Manley (right) looks through the book, 'Jamaican Journey', with its author Susan Alexander.

Whatever Rev Robert Thompson said to Glynne Manley (left) and Mexican Ambassador Leonora Rueda, certainly cracked them up. - Colin Hamilton/freelance photographer