10 Things You Didn't Know About Alexander Cooper

It has been said that no art collection is truly complete
without at least two of Alexander Cooper's pieces, preferably one from
his early body of work and another from his current portfolio.

This speaks to the high esteem in which Cooper is held.

Over
the years, Cooper has earned great respect for his ability to capture
the essence of the folkloric scenes, with which many associate Jamaican
art, and the innate peace and serenity he brings to his subject matter.

Cooper
is a multitalented and gifted artist who continues to bequeath to his
fans his vision of his land, its history and its people, through his
work.

Today, Outlook gives you an insight into the artistic life and times of Alexander Cooper - husband, father, and philanthropist.

He
was one of the earliest students of the Jamaica School of Art,
graduating in 1959, and a former student of the New York School of
Visual Arts. He also attended the Art Student League and was the
recipient of the fist prize in the Jamaica National Fine Arts
Competition in 1962 and 1964.

1.Cooper was a bodybuilder and says bodybuilding is still his favourite sport, as the discipline makes not only a fit body, but also a fit mind. A well-sculpted body reminds him of the gladiators of Rome with their sculptured muscles, and how the artists of the day captured their prowess and triumphs.

2. He is a lover of history in all its forms: people, events and places. The ideas for many of his paintings come from his study of the past.

3. His first job was as a commercial artist. This was his first source of income as he was employed as an apprentice with one of the leading advertising agencies in the 1940s, Art & Publicity, which gave him a promising start and introduction to what is now his first love and vocation.

4. He is fascinated with building and construction and is considered an architect by many, having designed his gallery, the additions to his own home, and a few others that have received positive reviews from professionals as well as friends.

5. He is a tireless advocate for literacy and encourages his fellow Jamaicans to read. He reads extensively and everything he gets his hands on, as he believes in the saying 'Knowledge is power'.

6. Cooper was inducted into an advanced group that held as a core belief the practice of the esoteric principles. One of their mottos is 'Give every man a square deal'. This belief is his mantra.

7. He has embraced the Rastafarian doctrine and way of life: healthy eating, and communal and peaceful living with every man.

8. He is inspired by the uncomplicated lives of children.

9.He earned his place on the international stage in 1965 (a chaotic time in American history for people of African descent), when he was the first Jamaican artist to be invited to hold an art show at the United States State Department in Washington, DC.

10. He loves dancing and music "as they energise my mind, body and soul". He is partial to Jamaican cuisine, rum, good company, and lots of laughter. But, he adds reflectively: "Serenity, on the other hand, I enjoy just as much."

- C.F.J.