thebahamasweekly.com - Artist Streather Robinson - The 21st Century Woman in the Developing Bahamas

From:TheBahamasWeekly.com

Arts & Culture
Artist Streather Robinson - The 21st Century Woman in the Developing Bahamas
By Reynold Robinson
Dec 7, 2008 - 8:43:36 PM

"Bahamian Women First" is the title of one of the pieces exhibited by Alisa Streather- Robinson in the lobby of the government complex in Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas The other painting is called "Strength Of Character"..

Mrs. Streather- Robinson says;" This painting depicts six Bahamian women who have made significant contributions to the Bahamian society. As a result of this, they have been honored to have been the first woman to hold positions in various political posts.

A brief description, clockwise from the top of the painting:

Her Excellency, Dame Ivy Dumont, The first female Governor-General of the Bahamas.

Dame Doris Johnson, The first female appointed to the Bahamas Senate.

Honorable Italia Johnson, the first female Speaker of the House of Parliament, of the Bahamas.

Dame Marguerite Pindling, The wife of former Prime Minister of the Bahamas, Sir Lynden Oscar Pindling.

Honorable Cynthia 'Mother' Pratt, The first female Deputy Prime Minister of the Bahamas.

Honorable Janet G. Bostwick, The first female elected as a Member of Parliament of the Bahamas.

As a female and a Bahamian artist, I feel that I have an obligation to record the historical contributions that women have played in the development of this country. Therefore I have painted women in a variety of roles, but this one has been the most inspirational!

"Strength of Character"

This painting was inspired by four generations of females in my family; My grandmother, my mother, My self and my daughter. Each of us is totally different and yet connected not only by blood, but a kindred sprit. A deep reservoir of strength runs through each, and our interaction with one another creates a bond which ties the generations together. The flowers, straw work, patterns and colors binds the female images together in this painting, reminding us that we will always be connected..

The woman's suffrage movement was founded by Mary Ingraham, Georgina Symonette, Mable Walker, Eugenie Lockhart, Ethel Kemp, Albertha Isaacs and Gladys Bailey in 1951.