THE EDITOR, Sir:
I AM writing with my reflections on Laura Facey's monumental sculpture, 'Redemption Song'. As a Jamaican-born artist and symbolist I would like to share my interpretation of this important work. The figures of the woman and the man convey dignity and self-sufficiency. Their nakedness speaks of openness, fearlessness, and nothing to hide: of truth. Their simple posture, heads lifted to the sky, imply trust and reverence for the sacredness and mystery of Creation.
They stand, as Laura puts it, "within the healing stream", gently flowing water which washes away that which no longer serves us, and which brings fresh nourishment and delight. In the symbolism of dreams, water also stands for the emotions. So the presence of the figures in water, from which we are all born, says that they are present with their deep feelings, something which is very true of the Jamaican people!
Finally the figures each have their own value, their own space. As archetypal man and woman turned towards each other, communion is implied between them, and yet each one has strength and place. The woman stands in her own beauty and worth, as does the man. The self-worth of woman is important, it seems to me, for the Jamaican woman to contemplate.
Congratulations, Laura, on completing such a labour of love for the Jamaican people.
I am, etc.,
MARGARET DUPERLY
P.O. Box 578
Detroit, OR 97342
USA
