Haitian art brims with spirit

Revolution, Ritual and Remembrance: The Art of Haiti

The University Art Gallery

Frick… Revolution, Ritual and Remembrance: The Art of Haiti

The University Art Gallery

Frick Fine Arts

Through March 17

The presence of spirit cannot be ignored in the exhibit on display at The University Art Gallery, nor can the sense of community in the works of art covering the walls.

The spirit of the people of Haiti is represented in more than 60 paintings, decorative flags and sculptures at the gallery in the Frick Fine Arts building. “Revolution, Ritual, and Remembrance: The Art of Haiti” features bright colors, vivid patterns and altered steel drums until March 17.

The works of art depict Haiti’s turbulent political and economic past and emergence as an independent nation. Many pieces also celebrate Haiti’s ritual practices, such as voodoo, and Christian traditions integrated with cultural customs.

Alix Dorleus’ painting, “Ceremony,” captures village rituals set in lush jungles. Figures adorned in bright and patterned clothing fill Dorleus’ painting. Animals, mythical creatures and celestial beings can be found throughout “Ceremony.” The amount of detail and the life of the people of Haiti captured in the piece are impressive and exciting to observe.

In Gerard Valcin’s painting, “Baptism,” a Christian baptism in the form of a ritual to celebrate Agove, the water god, is depicted in the foreground of the painting. Valcin’s painting is a larger work that is also filled with meticulous detail. Fish of all different colors – red, blue, green and purple – swim in a lake surrounded by many figures dressed in robes of vibrant hues. A canoe, food, vases and chairs rest on shore.

Along with paintings, sculptures made of steel drums can be viewed in the exhibit. The largest of the steel drum sculptures is Darius Gary’s “Merpeople.” The craftsmanship of Gary’s piece is commendable: Steel birds and fish are found together with entwining mermaids. Gary pays special attention to the surface of his piece, giving texture to the mermaids’ hair and adding scales to their tales.

Also on display are bright flags made by threading thousands of sequins into an image, many of which are created to honor a spirit. “Dambala Roche,” a flag created through the hands of an unknown artist, features the snake god, Dambala Roche. Each flag requires about 18,000-20,000 sequins and takes about 10 days to complete.

Several events will be held at the University Art Gallery in the coming months that focus on the Haitian art on display. On Friday at 5 p.m., artist Alix Dorleus will give a talk. An open mic event with host Nathan James will be held on Friday, Feb. 23, at 6 p.m.

Although the nation of Haiti continues to face hardships, it is clear that the spirit and sense of community in Haiti are strong, unifying elements enviable by other nations. The University Art Gallery provides a glimpse into a fascinating culture and provides powerful images produced by a people who have faced adversity.