An Eye for the Tropics

This book explores the visual representations of Jamaica and the Bahamas as tropical paradises, revealing their historical and cultural implications through stunning imagery.

In An Eye for the Tropics, Krista A. Thompson provides a richly illustrated exploration of the visual imagery that has shaped the perception of Jamaica and the Bahamas as idyllic tropical paradises from the 1880s to the 1930s. The book delves into how these images, characterized by palm trees, pristine beaches, and warm waters, became synonymous with the islands. Thompson reveals that the origins of these representations are deeply rooted in the early tourism industry, where British colonial administrators and promoters collaborated to craft an appealing narrative of the islands, using photographers and artists to create alluring visuals that were disseminated globally through postcards and illustrated publications.

The book features over a hundred images, many in vibrant color, and serves as a thoughtful critique of the aesthetics of tropical imagery and its profound impact on the cultural landscape of Jamaica and the Bahamas. Thompson discusses how the idealized visions projected to the world significantly influenced local life, leading to the importation of tropical plants to enhance the islands' appeal. Furthermore, she highlights the exclusion faced by the islands' black populations from tourist-centric spaces, as they were expected to embody the disciplined subjects depicted in the promotional visuals.

Thompson also analyzes the work of various photographers and artists who contributed to this tropical imagery, contrasting their approaches with the English picturesque landscape tradition. In a contemporary context, An Eye for the Tropics examines how modern artists critique these historical representations while acknowledging their ongoing significance in the tourism strategies of postcolonial governments.