THE EDITOR, Sir:
VICTORIAN PRUDERY has negated art at the entrance of Emancipation Park. It is a "private" matter notwithstanding the public exhibition, for such art appreciation as in the eyes of the beholder and the sensibilities brought to bear upon its contemplation.
Of course the subject has always been a large bone of contention and curiosity whether in "still life" or living reality. The history of the Black Diaspora testifies to this.
The subject has never been categorised as an object of black magic, a fetish among the African's paraphernalia of perceived evil dreaded by his white oppressor. But this private ownership - pride and joy of the oppressed - which could not be appropriated by his tormentor, nonetheless, led to the establishment of the Hanging Tree.
But it is totally a matter of conjecture as to whether the intent of the Hanging Tree was to safeguard and maintain the purity of races or, rather, in deep resentment and envy regarding perceived marginality in the area of comparative physical endowment.
History moves apace and art on display at Emancipation Park could be a godsend to heritage tourism.
For my part I am heartened that the artistic controversy is not an observation that the artistic work is "too black". Oops! Talk too soon?
I am, etc.,
TED DWYER
Kingston 6
