Curated by Marc Baptiste + Amy Andrieux
Featuring artistic works by Marc Baptiste
On View Dates: January 15- March 8, 2020
Location: MoCADA BK
Press Preview: Wednesday, January 15 | 5:00-7 PM
Opening Reception: Wednesday, January 15 | 7:00-10 PM
SUMMARY
MoCADA follows acclaimed photographer Marc Baptiste to Haiti as he documents a community in observance of RARA, the annual celebration of music that unifies African and Taino cultures through Vodun, in part two of a three-part exploration through spirituality of the African diaspora. From procession and protest to performance and pageantry, and grounded by spiritual ceremonies held en masse, enter the unique festival that began in Léogâne long before the revolution.
SELECTED WORKS
(top left) “Foula Kafou Feuille” by Marc Baptiste, 2018
(top right) “Veve Erzulie & Ogun” by Marc Baptiste, 2017
(top left) “Preparasyon” by Marc Baptiste, 2017
(bottom right) “Foula Vodoule RaRa” by Marc Baptiste, 2017
FEATURED ARTIST
Marc Baptiste, Haitian-American photographer was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. He moved to Brooklyn, NY at an early age. Baptiste picked up photography in the 9th grade, years later upon receiving his BA in Commercial Art and Advertising; he grew to become an influential fashion and portrait photographer.
Known for his lighting, beauty, cinematic style and great energy he has documented subjects from Top Celebrities including; Prince, Shakira, Janelle Monae, Erykah Badu, George Luka, Cicely Tyson, Yoko Ono, Misty Copeland and Spike Lee, to his most memorable subjects Michelle and Barak Obama, and Carmen de Lavallade.
His photographs have been published internationally in editorial magazines such as Cosmopolitan, Elle (US and SA), Vanity Fair, Esquire, Marie Claire, Esquire, Ebony, Essence and Glamour (US and GR). Baptiste has photographed the advertising campaigns for revered brands such as Nike, Remy Martin, Chevy, Reebok, L’Oreal, Mizani, and Crest. His commercial work is distinguished for its appeal in global markets.
Love for his birthplace influences all of his work. Baptiste serves on the advisory board at Cine ́ Institute, and Noah NY. He uses his lens to donate his time for Charity Organizations worldwide. Baptiste documents Noah NY on their yearly Medical Missions to Haiti, and in 2017 he traveled to Burkina Faso to document the clean water initiative of the Georgie Badiel Foundation.
Philanthropic collaborations with Celebrities include DKNY / Rock the Vote campaign with Eva Mendez, Maroon 5 and Kate Bosworth. The groundbreaking advertising campaign Keep a Child Alive org. with Alicia Keys, Lorraine Bracco, Cynthia Nixon, David Byrne and Lenny Kravitz.
He is passionately building his photo and video repertoire of visuals from his travels. He has many stories to tell.
AWARDS
June 2018 Hope awarded by Georgie Badiel Foundation | May 2018 Pride awarded by Noah NY | January 2014 Leadership awarded by CapraCare | January 2012 Marc Baptiste appreciation day awarded by Scott Stringer, Office of Manhattan borough President | January 2012 Honor Award presented by Minister of Haiti.
EXHIBITIONS
Haitian Heritage Museum Miami (Haiti a La Mode 2018) apArt Private Gallery NY (Other Color, 2016) | Steven Weiss Gallery NY (The Truth, 2010) | Celebrity Vault Gallery LA (Nudes, 2008) | APART London (Intimate, 2004) | Dactyl Foundation for the Arts NY (Nudes, 2003)
BOOKS
Beautiful (2001) | Intimate (2003) | Innocent (2006) Published by Rizzoli’s Universe Publishing
TOUR NOTES
Use MoCADA’s tour notes as your guide through the exhibit, which includes a deeper dive into our themes, the artists’ notes and bios, as well as a glossary for greater understanding of the exhibit’s subject matter. DOWNLOAD the RARA! tour notes (pdf).
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
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