Hurricane Melissa cut across Jamaica and Haiti this week, leaving deadly floods and landslides in its wake, before making landfall in Cuba on Wednesday. The storm hit Jamaica as one of the strongest hurricanes the island ever recorded, causing severe damage to public infrastructure, with the full extent of the devastation and number of casualties still unclear. The region’s art scene, meanwhile, appeared braced for impact.
The National Gallery of Jamaica, on Kingston’s historic waterfront, has been closed since October 24. “Updates regarding reopening will be shared once conditions are safe to do so,” according to a statement.
On Facebook, the museum offered artists advice on safeguarding their work and studios before and after Hurricane Melissa made landfall. This included appraising work in advance, removing it from walls and storing at least three feet above the ground, and covering it with a plastic sheet. Outdoor sculptures should be securely anchored with rope to a concrete beam, artists were advised.
“Take the necessary steps to protect your artwork and remember to inspect each piece after a storm has passed,” the statement added.
Established in 1974, the National Gallery of Jamaica is the oldest and largest public museum in the self-described Anglophone Caribbean (Caribbean countries where English is the primary spoken language). Its collection includes artworks by many of the nation’s premier modern and contemporary artists, most of which are on permanent view. ARTnews reached out regarding the condition of its collection but received no reply at the time of publication.
Elsewhere in Kingston, the popular Bob Marley Museum also closed its doors until further notice. The museum is housed in the musician’s 19th century home in Kingston’s Trench Town, designated a National Heritage Site for its honor as the “birthplace of reggae.” Its collection includes personal artifacts, an 80-seat theater and a photo gallery.
“The winds may have shaken us, but they could never break our spirit,” the museum said in a statement on social media, adding, “It will take time to rebuild, but together, we’ll rise again — stronger, more united, and full of love. We can’t wait to spread the message of peace and love with you once more and help in whatever way we can. Until then, hold on to hope, and remember — every little thing is gonna be alright.”
At least 30 deaths have been attributed to Hurricane Melissa across Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican republic, authorities said. Torrential rain from the storm reportedly caused a river in southern Haiti to overflow, killing at least 25 people, the mayor of Petit-Goâve, Jean Bertrand Subrème, told the Associated Press on Wednesday.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared Jamaica a disaster area, as local media reports St. Elizabeth Parish to be “underwater.” Havana, Cuba’s capital, was spared a direct hit from Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall as a Category 3 storm and is now on a path to the bahamas.
ARTnews has contacted Olympia Gallery and Suzie Wong Presents, two prominent fine art galleries in Kingston, for updates on their status; they did not reply at the time of publication.
