In The Background
Photo taken by Annie Paul
My artist residency in Jamaica during the summer of 2010 coincided with the national state of emergency and the manhunt for Christopher "Dudus" Coke. The island was electric with tension and history unfolding in real time, a potent atmosphere that directly inspired my painting, ‘The Hunt For Dudus.’
During this immersive period, I had the great fortune of being hosted by the brilliant writer Annie Paul. As a thank you for her incredible hospitality, I gifted her the painting, making it not just a piece of art, but a memento of that shared, historic time.
It’s truly special to see these photos years later, with the painting hanging in her home as the backdrop for an evening with Alan "Skill" Cole. Cole is a true Jamaican icon whose legacy extends far beyond the football pitch; as Bob Marley's tour manager, he was instrumental in bringing reggae to the world.
Seeing my painting, a document of a modern Jamaican crisis, in the presence of a man so deeply connected to the nation's political and cultural voice is incredibly resonant. It’s a beautiful illustration of how art becomes intertwined with history, a token of gratitude that now bears witness to new memories and friendships.
Alan "Skill" Cole died September 9th, 2025, in Kingston, Jamaica. Rest In Peace.
Photos taken by Annie Paul
