amjamin

Bust of Sir Alexander Bustamante housed in the Bustamante Museum. This is a chapter of the island’s history that is tucked into a quiet neighbourhood in Kingston. Surrounded by lush greenery ­ every brick and every ounce of mortar at 24 Tucker Avenue stands as a living testimony to the life and times of Jamaica’s first Prime Minister Sir Alexander Bustamante. “The idea to convert the property into a museum started in 2006, which was realised in 2009, when the museum opened,” said Nora Strudwick, executive director of the Bustamante Museum. The premises, home to Sir Bustamante and his wife Gladys Longbridge, houses a diverse collection of memorabilia, which include the former prime minister’s letters, objects from his early adult years spent abroad in Spain, Cuba, and the United States. From humble beginnings to a world citizen ... replica of the house where Sir Alexander Bustamante was born. Encapsulated in the space is the aura of Sir Bustamante, as tall as his towering...

Taino Heritage by Norma Rodney-Harrack Taking a cue from Ralph Waldo Emerson, who once said, “Make your own Bible. Select and collect all the words and sentences that in all your readings have been to you like the blast of a trumpet.” ’Tis a journey embracing the supreme being in its forms and manifestations. A mosaic of multicultural entities, Jamaica is home to as many denominations and beliefs, some potently evident, others subtle ­ like a spice mix, which exudes aromas and flavours of the island. ‘Explorations II: Religion and Spirituality’ seeks to explore those diversities, laying before creative conversations, expressions and interpretations of the two entities that are sacredly intertwined. “The series explores major themes in Jamaican art, and in the National Art Collection,” informed O’Neil Lawrence, senior curator at the National Gallery of Jamaica. “It aims to engage, in new, more exploratory ways with the artistic and cultural history of Jamaica.” Ancestral...

We passed the hues of the last sunset of 2013 and its colours transcended to first dawn of 2014.  Arts & Education  continues on the path of artistic stimulation, constant discoveries and a creative journey. We would like to take this opportunity to showcase the editor's picks for the year, and to thank our readers for their continued support. Wish you all a blessed 2014. ❏ Intarsia - Painting with wood The atmosphere under the crisp Caribbean sunshine at Barbados Crop Over craft market was reminiscent of fun and frolic. Tucked away from the excitement, Mario Smith displayed the intarsia art he creates. Necessity is the mother of all invention, it is said, and Smith, who worked as a joiner - making doors, windows, and kitchen cupboards - had to stay home after his son was born. ❏ Art of Sushi - The edible Zen garden It's as austere as its land of origin, yet complex and intriguing, pressed, meticulously laid out, rolled and neatl...