The hot steamy New York evening
was a perfect setting for the opening of the Haitian Art
Exhibit, "Island on Fire: Passionate Visions of Haiti From
the Collection of Jonathan Demme." Mr. Demme, the director
of such well known films as, "Silence of the Lambs", "Philadelphia" and "Married
to the Mob", has been collecting Haitian art since 1987.
His collection of more than 300 paintings is said "to be
one of the most comprehensive in the United States."
The artwork featured in an exhibit
reflect the perspective of the collector, and this exhibit
is no exception. We are treated to over 100 pieces culled
from Mr. Demme's collection representing History, Religion
(both Voodou and Christianity), everyday life, and humor.
Mr. Demme has also chosen to emphasize artists that he
felt were "unexposed or underexposed" in an attempt to
put a fresh face on Haitian art.
There are many reasons to see this
enormous display of talent. Haitians often tell their history
with a paintbrush. As you wander through the rooms you
see Leconte and his band of guerrillas arrive at Cap-Haitien
in 1911 (Philomé Obin). You see the Americans invade
Haiti in 1915 (Nemours Vincent). You see Lamort win victory
over the French, complete with descriptive phrases (Joel
Delva). You see the Haitian military open fire on civilians
demanding freedom and elections after the exile of Duvalier
(Gary Dorcinvil). Each artist brings to his canvas his
own unique style, but they all share the ability to communicate
their story with a very personal touch. These are history
lessons that make you see the story from the perspective
of the people.
For those of you who have never
been to Haiti and wonder what it is like, just view the
market at Jacmel (Paueus Vital), see a disabled man work
and care for his family (Etienne Chavannes) see seamstresses
at work (Ernst Prophéte) or view women going to
market laden with baskets on their heads (Peterson Laurent).
For those of you who have been to Haiti, it is like a trip
back - without the airfare!
Many of the paintings on display
depict aspects of religion integrated with everyday scenes.
One gets a sense of how important it is to life in Haiti.
You will see a funeral (Castera Brazile), a voodou healing
ceremony (Jean Léandre), and meet Voodou royalty
(Andre Pierre). Voodou is present in every aspect of Haitian
life.
Need to smile? See children pestering
mating dogs (Louis Gédéus) or watch a storyteller
entertain children in a village (Peters Stephane).
Mr. Demme has chosen to display
only the "self-taught" or "primitive" artists of Haiti.
Even so, this collection brings together a very large selection
of artists and styles. With each work the viewer is taken
a little bit further inside Haiti. Each artist, in his
own unique way, tells you a bit more about his country.
These are very personal interpretations of what is to be
Haitian.
For me, one of the most exciting
aspects of the show were several early works from well
known artists, before their style had become "highly recognizable".
I found myself stepping back and "discovering" these great
artists all over again.
We were also treated to a preview
of a documentary being produced by Mr. Demme, about the
artist Edger Jean-Baptiste. Edger Jean-Baptiste joined
the Centre d' art in 1954. He is called "The Master of
Twilight" because of his fascination with the effects of
shifting sunlight on the sky. He stopped painting in the
late '80's due to blindness caused by glaucoma. Supplementing
the video was a display of Mr. Jean-Baptiste's work. It
seems fitting that Mr. Demme, who's own work revolves around
what is seen through the light sensitive lens of a camera,
should be especially drawn to an artist who explores light.
Mr. Demme was present, along with
a number of the artists including Préfète
Duffaut, Fernand Pierre, Toussaint Auguste and Ernst Prophète.
All graciously signed the beautifully produced exhibition
catalog. This catalog contains almost 200 plates, in
addition to commentary and history. It is an excellent
addition to any collector's library.
Mr. Demme expressed the hope is
that through his efforts and similar efforts of others,
the beauty of the art can give people a different view
of Haiti. He was quoted as saying, "I long to show these
things even if people don't like them. I want to show a
positive face of a country and a people I love so much
and that gets chronic bad press."
Mr. Demme, you have succeeded.
Ruth Kahn
June 1997
P. S. To find out more about, or order a copy of the exhibit
catalog, click here.
To read the New York Times review click
here.
