Re-Imagining Haiti

BROOKLYN, NY, December 13, 2010 – On the eve of the one-year anniversary of the earthquake that ravaged Haiti in January 2010, this collaborative exhibition offers contemporary work by artists who are examining the spirituality, aesthetics, and re-construction of Haiti. Through an open call, visual, performing and literary artists – as well as musicians and filmmakers – were invited to submit work that is centered on a conceptual rethinking of the cosmological and socio-political conditions in Haiti at the present moment. Over twenty artists were selected to participate in Re-Imagining Haiti featuring works in painting, photography, video, installation, illustration and mixed media.

This curatorial partnership also marks the upcoming anniversaries of both CCCADI (35th Anniversary) and MoCADA (11th Anniversary). In response to this joint project, Dr. Marta Moreno Vega, Founder and President of Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute, states: “The aesthetic perspective, cultural mission and social justice African Diaspora work of  MoCADA and CCCADI make us natural collaborators in reaching the global diversity of African descendants and the broader community…from Africa, the Caribbean, Latin and North Americas. This is the beginning of a continuing partnership.” Both organizations are thrilled to start the New Year commemorating Haitian history, culture and the survivors of last year’s earthquake.

Standing with Papa Legba addresses a critical point in Haitian spiritual and sacred art history. The 12 artists featured in the exhibition were asked to explore the dynamics of ancient African powers in serving as a catalyst for the Haitian Revolution and the post-earthquake desecration of these sacred traditions by evangelical zealots.  Standing with Papa Legba, gives artists an opportunity to explore the power and future of Haitian Vodou, particularly investigating how the spiritual system was at the forefront of Haiti’s socio-political founding. Artists featured in this exhibition (in alphabetical order) are: Elizabeth Colomba, Thom Corn, Ja’Tovia Gary, Val Jeanty, Vidho Lorville, Phillip Nerestan, Numa Perrier, Jacques Rony, Jeffery Salter, Phoenix Savage,  Kantara Souffrant and  Jean D. Volcy.

Le Projet Nouveau brings together 18 artists whose work presents ideas about the re-construction of Haiti. The exhibiting artists draw upon political, cultural, architectural and socio-economic themes to propose what can be offered towards the re-shaping of the first black republic.  The exhibition highlights the aesthetic response of artists to the turbulence that has plagued the nation since it gained independence from France in 1804.  The artists in the exhibition use their practices to visualize Haiti’s future by re-imagining the country through its people, its culture, the African Diaspora, and its artistic legacy.  Artist featured in the exhibition (in alphabetical order) are: Trevor Brown, Nelson Caban, Rebekah A. Frimpong, Eric Girault, Tosha Grantham, Aaqil Ka, J’Renee, M. Scott Johnson with M.S. 57, Stephanie Keith, The Soft House Group, Dr. Kokahvah Zauditu-Selassie, Edouard Steinhauer, Michele Stephenson, Wahala Temi, Noelle Theard, Adrienne E. Wheeler, Nathan Williams, and Tracee Worley.