From time to time we will present to you information about
things relating to Haiti, its art and its culture. We
hope that you find these pieces interesting. If you know
of a new art exhibit, a book or a movie that relates to
Haiti, please let
us know. We would be glad to include your information
on this page.
Father Frank Mann recently sat down with artist Pat Brintle, a parishioner at St. Luke’s, Whitestone. The two discussed her life’s work, her inspiration, and the influences that growing up in Haiti has had on her life.
We are pleased to announce that we will be feauring
work by Lesly Cetout in the fall. This an exciting new artist
from Pétion-Ville does not paint the struggles of Haitian
life, but rather the beauty of his country and its people.
For a review of his work, his goals and his life in Haiti
as a struggling artist, please read this informative, well-written
article about life today in Haiti by Theresa
Smolen.
Dreamers
written and directed by Jorgen Leth
Recently, we were privileged to view, “Dreamers”,
a film written and directed by Jorgen Leth. The film, presented
at the Scandanavia House in New York City, was part of a series
of films on Haiti that Leth has written and directed. Jorgen
Leth is Denmark’s Royal Honorary Consul to Southern
Haiti. He has adopted Haiti as his home and presently resides
in Jacmel. Leth is well known for his book, Billeder Fra Haiti-Images
from Haiti, written in Danish and English (printed in 2000).
The book is a combination of interviews with artists and beautiful
color prints of the artwork. In many ways, “Dreamers”
is this book on film!
The screening was the United States premiere
of the film. “Dreamers”, which will invariably
become a classic, features the multi talented artists of Haiti.
The documentary explores the talent, creativity, motivation,
imagination and optimism of the Haitian artists. In the film
we are treated to interviews with Andre Pierre, Rigaud Benoit,
Wilson Bigaud, Felipe August Salnave, Preffet Duffault, Fortune
Gerard, Prosper, Antilhomme, Philome Obin, Jasmin Joseph,
and Louise St. Fleurant.
It is very interesting to hear these artists
speak of that which motivates them. Leth presents them as
dreamers, mystics and storytellers who live in a country where
spiritual forces play an active role in their everyday lives.
Andre Pierre is moved by his strong belief in Voodoo. He relates
everything to the Voodo loas which inspire him and which rule
his world. For Jasmin Joseph it is his imagination and the
“friends” in his mind. As he strokes his pet rabbit
it is easy to understand why rabbits are quite often subjects
on his canvasses! Gerard speaks of nights when he cannot sleep
and then Jesus speaks to him and encourages him to paint.
Leth captures the essence of these famous artists
as they relate their personal stories in their own surroundings.
It is truly a celebration of their creativity and optimism.
To have so little and to beautifully create so much is a tribute
to the Haitian spirit. Jorgen Leth, in “Dreamers”
offers the world some insight into that inexhaustible creativity
that is uniquely Haitian!
Our Trips to Haiti
We have made a number of trips to Haiti to meet with
artists and select new paintings for your viewing. Read
all about some of our trips, and see some of our wonderful
photos.
For those of you that are not aware of the wonderful
mailing list run by Bob Corbett, we present a little introduction
and an invitation to join. For up-to-the-minute information
about all things Haitian, join this great list.
We participated in an exhibit and sale of Haitian art
in New York City. This exhibit was sponsored by
Les Amis du Musee d'Art Haïtien, a wonderful organization
that is doing all it can to help restore and preserve
the many Haitian paintings owned by the Musee d'Art Haïtien.
There was also a benefit gala. To read all about it click
here.
During her recent trip to Haiti,
Ms Benson found herself thinking about all the art
that she saw, both on the street and in the galleries.
Read her obsevations about the importance of art
to Haiti and Haitians.
We recently received
the following letter from noted Haitian artist Andre
Juste. Mr. Juste takes exception to the many of the
comments by made by Mr. Pierre-Pierre. Please read
this for a different "take" on today's Haitian
Art scene.
We recently read this
very interesting and informative article in The New
York Times regarding Haitian Art today. We present
it here for your information.
Book Review
We have read a very interesting book about
Haiti, "Best Nightmare on Earth-A Life in Haiti"
by Herbert Gold. In this impassioned memoir by American
journalist/novelist Gold, he reflects on Haiti's history,
folklore, politics, voodoo, and people as observed during
his four decades of travels.
We encourage you to read
our full review, and then read the book! It provides
a very personal look, from a non-Haitian point of view,
inside this exotic, troubled, and wonderful land.
Best Nightmare on Earth-A Life in Haiti
by Herbert Gold.
Prentice Hall Press, 1991
ISBN 0-13-372327-5
Collection of Jonathan Demme
An exhibition of more than 100 paintings
called "Island on Fire: Passionate Visions of Haiti From
the Collection of Jonathan Demme," will be on view at
the Equitable Gallery, 787 Seventh Avenue, at 51st Street,
New York, NY from Thursday through August 16. Mr. Demme,
the director of "Silence of the Lambs," "Married to the
Mob" and "Philadelphia," among others, owns one of the most
comprehensive collections of Haitian art in the United States.
The full text of the announcement of the exhibit
can be found here.
We have just returned from the opening and
it was really an impressive collection!! Please read
our full review.
