Brushstrokes of Freedom: How Caribbean Artists Honour Emancipation

Aug 1

2 min read

Emancipation in the Caribbean is more than a historical event. It is a living, breathing narrative that artists continue to explore, challenge and celebrate. Through painting, sculpture, photography and multimedia, creatives keep the spirit of liberation alive, inviting us to reflect on freedom’s complexities and ongoing journey.

One of the most iconic artistic tributes to emancipation stands proudly in Kingston, Jamaica’s Emancipation Park: Laura Facey’s Redemption Song.

Laura Facey’s iconic sculpture “Redemption Song” (2003) stands at Emancipation Park in Kingston, Jamaica.

Transcending Chains: The Vision Behind Redemption Song

Unveiled in 2003, Redemption Song features two bronze figures, a nude man and woman, gazing upward in a pose of hope and transcendence. Inspired by Bob Marley’s anthem, which urges “None but ourselves can free our minds,” Facey’s sculpture moves beyond the physical shackles of slavery to capture the spiritual and mental liberation at the heart of emancipation.

Facey described her intent:

“My piece is not about ropes, chains or torture; I have gone beyond that. I wanted to create a sculpture that communicates transcendence, reverence, strength and unity through our pro-creators — man and woman — all of which comes when the mind is free.”(laurafacey.com)

A Controversial Conversation

The monument sparked lively public debate when first revealed. Its nudity and serene posture challenged expectations of how emancipation should be depicted. Some questioned whether it truly represented the struggle and strength of Caribbean ancestors. Yet, over time, Redemption Song has become a beloved emblem of freedom in Jamaica and a focal point during Emancipation Day commemorations.

Expanding the Narrative: Miniatures and Memory

Facey continued this dialogue with Their Spirits Gone Before Them (2006), a poignant installation featuring a miniature dugout canoe filled with 1,357 small resin figures, echoes of the monumental sculpture. This piece, exhibited internationally, reflects on the Middle Passage and the enduring resilience of Caribbean peoples.

Art as Living History

From Laura Facey’s monumental sculptures to contemporary exhibitions and grassroots creative competitions across the Caribbean, artists use their craft to explore emancipation as a process rather than a single moment. Their work challenges us to consider how freedom is defined, preserved, and passed down.

What’s Next?

This August, Caribalent invites you to journey through the vibrant artistic responses to emancipation across the Caribbean, through profiles, reviews, and conversations with the creatives shaping these narratives today.

Explore more about Laura Facey and Redemption Song here: https://www.laurafacey.com/freedom-road/redemption-song/