Paradise Interrupted is the name of a new coffee table ‘Ivan’ book, commemorating the events of last September.
A photographic essay by photographer Courtney Platt, the book is to be launched with a public book-signing at the Cayman Islands National Gallery on Thursday, 8 September, from 5-8p.m.
The 160-page hardcover tome holds more than 300 colour photographs, and has a foreword by the Governor, Mr. Bruce Dinwiddy, together with explanatory texts by Ms Joanna Lawrence, whose narrative lends personal experience in weathering the storm and the hardships of its immediate aftermath.
Professional photographer, Mr. Platt explained the impetus behind the book. ‘Driven by a sense of the importance of the moment, I made extraordinary efforts to capture visible evidence of what happened island-wide during the days and weeks after the storm.
‘The hurricane is a punctuation mark in the history of Grand Cayman, and we now think in terms of ‘before Ivan’ and ‘after Ivan’.’
In addition to the scenes of devastation, other features include the post-hurricane visit by Prince Edward the Earl of Wessex, and a poem by Ms Luci Tatum.
While commemorating the two lives tragically lost, the book also laments and illustrates the death and destruction of marine, bird and wildlife habitats. It also depicts the impartial destruction of homes, boats, cars, businesses, government buildings and hotels.
Poignant before and after photos illustrate the massive changes that occurred during that single 48-hour period last year. Notable is the scale of damage to the infrastructure, but equally impressive is the recorded effort to restore services – from water, electrical and phone lines, to public roadways. The work of the various emergency services was also captured.
While the publication captures the raw emotions released by the impact of the hurricane, the last 15 pages are dedicated to the rebuilding – showing the rebirth of nature, as well as the restoration of beauty in the arts, construction and the natural landscape.
The book, expected to be available in bookstores during the first week of September, in time for the first anniversary of the storm, will retail for CI$30. By mail the cost will be US$40 plus shipping and handling. It may be ordered via http://www.blueoceanart.com/ivan. Three dollars from each book sold will go to Rotary’s Recovery Fund to aid reconstruction efforts.
A selection of Courtney Platt’s photographs will be available for sale at the book signing.
For further information please call the National Gallery 945-8111 or Courtney Platt 945-3939.
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