Sharing Highlights
from our third and last night and day in Kingston. After returning from the Blue Mountain Peak, Rieke gets to try Audi Alex´ electrical hair cutter and trimmer, and we organize our backpacks for the close to sunrise journey next morning (Thursday). However, before starting our transportation to Treasure Beach, we´ve agreed to visit the National (Art) Gallery by the Kingston waterfront first. It´s only 400 JMD (2,5 Euros) per person (btw students are free), which might also be the reason why a new and still leftover drunk friend from the hostel joins us spontaneously.
There is no map or pamphlet that can give visitors an overview available (literally: according to the receptionist, the gallery has not produced one), nevertheless, one of my favourite exhibitions is not to overlook. Right next to the entrance of the historical exhibition, the Jamaican Government has initiated a great election. The National Gallery´s visitors had the ability to vote for the design of the yet-to-be-build Jamaican Parliament in Kingston! We were a weekendtrip to late since the voting ended on February 28th, but the idea of letting the people of this Island (however, a bit strange that foreigners could vote also) have an influence on the visual expression of the core of political power in Jamaica. If anyone is curious, here is the link: https://www.ourjaparliament.com/vote/ The “exhibition” offered five small videoclips, representing the five structures that had made it through the first professional straining, detailed portfolios to each structure by the architectural bureaus, and the five matching miniature models. It was possible to discuss advantages and disadvantages of the 7.3 billion Jamaican Dollar- (55 million US-Dollar-) project with other visitors, and eventually, the two uf os decided that a coaltion between HOP4 and HOP5 presents our most fitting parliament building for Jamaica.
After appreciating the exhibition which allowed visitors to set footprints, we learned the sad story of Jamaica´s indigenous people who are unable to leave any further existential marks. The Taino-natives whose culture shaped this Island for thousands of years with a population of more than 60´000 were entirely extinct by the colonialists from Spain during the 16th and 17th century. Only a few exhibits are left for the Jamaican people to grasp their homeland´s roots.
Paintings of beautiful landscapes for British slaveholders, the breakthrough of endemic art rooted in Edna Manley and her art lessons, and modern pieces by e.g. Kapo comprise the upper floor selection. On ground floor, dozens of posters amaze me for almost an hour and give an impression of current shots on Jamaican influenced art. Sadly, no copies were printed, so I want to share some pictures to give an impression of the joy experiencing temporary art. The National Gallery: it´s so good that we stay a bit too long and delay our departure.
Also, when we get to the Kingston transportation centre, our skin colour and the backpacks cause drivers and their henchmen to dramatically overrun and confuse us. Imagine to be surrounded by seven yelling men who are trying to drag you into their vehicle while expressing their own legibility – it´s impossible for us to start any conversation without being interrupted by another outcry and when Rieke has to plug her ears with both fingers, I realise that we should have left this show a minute ago. And then, for the surprise of the money smelling men, we just walk away shaking our heads – what a stupid business strategy.
Don´t worry though; a few hours later, we arrive in small Treasure Beach having encountered helpful, goodhearted people who simply share their knowledge and well-meant attention with us! However, the private home, we requested through airbnb.com is not answering us, so we use our backup plan (developed with experience from Alex and Niklas) and arrive at the Waikiki guest house in darkness at half past nine after having thanked a local PE-teacher for driving us.
What a day.. Again..!
