Two Jamaican Girls

John visited Jamaica in 1937 when it was still a British colony. His stay coincided with the first stirrings of serious revolts against poor wages and working conditions. When John arrived, he was mistaken for a visiting politician. John sympathised with the Jamaican people, but his opinions and attitude could be considered patronising today. The island was a great inspiration to him. He made many observant paintings of the women and hotel workers that he met there, including this celebrated example. Here, the young woman in front appears bored while her companion seems apprehensive in John’s presence.