About the Artist
Alexander Cooper, a renowned and respected Jamaican artist, was born
in Enfield (St. Mary) Kingston, Jamaica (West Indies) in 1934.
His interest and love for painting began when watching his friends
Ralph Campbell and Osmond Watson, two of Jamaica’s most
outstanding artists, at work.
An early student of the Jamaica School of the Arts, he graduated in
1959. Alexander also studied at the New York School of Visual Arts. He
attended the Art Student League and was the recipient in 1962 and in
1964 of first prize in the Jamaica National Fine Arts Competition.
In 1965, a very controversial time in American history for people of
African descent, Alexander was the first Jamaican artist to be invited
to hold an art show at the U.S. State Department in Washington D.C.
In 1983, the Prime Minister of his Jamaican homeland recognized him for
his Outstanding Contribution to the art world.
His work has been displayed in exhibitions around the world, including
New York, Mexico, Canada, London, and Germany. Alexander is well known
for his love of displaying the richness and vibrancy of Jamaican life -
its people, the landscape and moments in everyday life – as it is
and as it used to be.
Over the past several years, Alexander has taken a hiatus from painting
to embrace the Jamaican community, placing his efforts into helping
young students advance themselves and assisting the community elders
with their daily living and job assistance. While he did not host an
exhibition during this period, he has stayed close to his art by
fulfilling private requisitions for his work.
Those who have had the benefit of enjoying his work during that time
include American celebrities such as Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee and
Angela Bassett. Jamaican banks, government offices and hotels have also
privately commissioned Alexander’s work, which can be seen all
over the island.
Alexander’s first public exhibition in nearly a decade was held
in Jamaica in May 1999. The exhibition, entitled “Celebrating
Mothers”, was a huge success with many Jamaicans thrilled to
personally enjoy his talent once again. For Alexander, this show was
especially personal in that it allowed him to express memories of his
own mother who passed away ten years ago.
Alexander is “back and is stronger than ever”. The world
will be pleased to embrace such a well-celebrated artist!