Kingston, Jamaica’s vibrant capital city, is not only renowned for its rich cultural heritage and musical legacy but also for its thriving art scene. Sculptures play a significant role in showcasing the artistic prowess of the island. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of sculpture by highlighting six sculptures in Kingston that are worth exploring. From historical tributes to contemporary masterpieces, these sculptures offer a glimpse into Jamaica’s diverse and captivating artistic landscape.
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1. Redemption Song
Located at the entrance to Emancipation Park, the iconic “Redemption Song” sculpture stands 10 feet tall as a symbol of freedom and liberation. Created by renowned Jamaican artist Laura Facey, the sculpture depicts a naked black man and woman looking towards the sky, breaking free from the shackles of slavery which lie at their feet. This powerful artwork serves as a reminder of Jamaica’s struggle for emancipation and represents the indomitable spirit of our people.
“Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds.”
– Marcus Garvey, later adapted by Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song”
“Redemption Song” is my favourite Jamaican sculpture by far because it symbolizes Black pride and empowerment. No surprise there either that Bob Marley’s song by the same name is also one of my favourites. The sculpture receives a lot of controversy because it depicts a man and woman in their nakedness, but that doesn’t bother me one bit. Also, it wouldn’t be historically accurate if they were well-clothed.
2. Bob Marley Statue
No exploration of Kingston’s sculptures would be complete without paying homage to the legendary Bob Marley. Kingston is home to three of Jamaica’s four Bob Marley statues (the fourth is located in Nine Mile, St. Ann at his mausoleum). Pictured above is the statue located at the Bob Marley Museum on Hope Road in Kingston. The other two are situated at the Trench Town Culture Yard and at the entrance of the National Stadium. These statues all capture the essence and charisma of the world’s greatest reggae icon well, but perhaps my favourite of the three is the one next to the National Stadium. Created by Jamaican artist Christopher Gonzalez, this 9-foot tall bronze statue immortalizes Bob Marley’s legacy, commemorates his significant contribution to music and his unwavering messages of peace, love, and unity. Learn more about Bob’s contribution to Jamaican music on this guided tour.
3. The Fastest Athletes in the World
Jamaica possesses the fastest man and woman alive. The stellar performance of these athletes have not only made their nation proud but also inspired love and admiration for Jamaica across the globe. Thus, what better way to show our gratitude for these athletes’ successes than with statues immortalizing their contribution to nation-building and athletics! Statues of our most successful athletes such as Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Asafa Powell and Usain Bolt have been commissioned by Basil Watson, an esteemed Jamaican sculptor, and unveiled at the National Stadium under the Jamaica 55 Legacy Programme. Take a trip to the National Stadium and strike your best ‘To di worl’ pose in front of the statues.
4. Negro Aroused
The original sculpture of “Negro Aroused” was created in 1935 by renowned Jamaican sculptress and activist Edna Manley. From its first exhibition in 1937, the piece excited the public’s imagination and was acquired by public subscription and presented to the Institute of Jamaica. In 1977, work began to enlarge the sculpture and to create a monument to the workers of Jamaica and the Workers Movement which was born in 1938. Edna Manley was commissioned to recreate the work in bronze at a scale three to four times that of the original, however before its shipment to the United States for bronzing, it was destroyed in a warehouse fire. In 1982, Edna Manley produced a third version to replace the destroyed piece and in 1991, the sculpture was posthumously enlarged.
Today, one can view this powerful and thought-provoking piece by the Kingston Waterfront, as well as admire the wooden maquette in the National Gallery of Jamaica. “Negro Aroused” represents the awakening of Jamaica’s black consciousness, the struggle for racial equality and the resilience of our beautiful people.
5. Miss Lou Statue
Louise Bennett-Coverley, affectionately known as Miss Lou, was a Jamaican poet, folklorist, actress and cultural icon. Born on September 7, 1919, in Gordon Town, St. Andrew, Miss Lou dedicated her life to promoting and preserving Jamaican culture, language and identity. Her contributions to Jamaican literature and the arts have had a profound impact on the country’s cultural landscape. Miss Lou was a passionate advocate for the use and recognition of Jamaican Creole as a legitimate language, although to this day, speakers of Jamaican Creole are still frowned upon by the upper echelons of Jamaican society. Through her poetry and performances, she celebrated the beauty and richness of Jamaican Patois, shedding light on the everyday lives, struggles, and joys of the Jamaican people.
A sculpture of this cultural icon was commissioned by Basil Watson and unveiled in the town of her birth on September 7, 2018. It’s always a joy driving past this statue as I explore the waterfalls of Gordon Town at Penfield and Pretty Close.
6. National Heroes Park
Within the expansive grounds of the National Heroes Park lie statues of our national heroes who played pivotal roles in Jamaica’s history, as well as a War memorial and cenotaph to honour the soldiers whose lives were lost in World Wars I and II. The sculptures serve as reminders of the resilience and determination of Jamaican heroes and leaders in the pursuit of justice and equality, and complete the list of sculptures which define Kingston.
Wrap Up
I hope you enjoyed these six sculptures in Jamaica’s capital which offer a glimpse into the island’s history, culture and artistic talent. I believe these sculptures showcase the indomitable spirit, cultural richness, and social consciousness of my people. Have you ever visited any of these sculptures? Which one(s) would you like to visit? Let me know in the comments below. Check out my favourite excursions on GetYourGuide, and if it’s your first GetYourGuide excursion, download the app then send me a DM for my discount code to take 5% off.
Before you go, check out these other things to do in Kingston & St. Andrew:
- Swim & dine at Pretty Close.
- Chill out at the Kingston Reggae Garden.
- Check out these specialty cuisines in Kingston.
- Admire the murals on Fleet Street.
‘Til next time.
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