Haitian art

The sparkling vitality of Haitian art first attracted attention and admiration when artists from the masses began to make their contribution. The work of these self-taught artists portrayed the whole kaleidoscope of Haitian life and spirit with an unprecedented openness and honesty. Although differing in style, feeling, and conception from the mainstream of European and American art, these works were immediately recognized as an important artistic current. HAITIAN ART illuminates the sources of inspiration for and the messages contained in the work of over fifty Haitian artists. Each artist's work has been subjected to a short stylistic analysis. Whenever possible, an attempt has been made to show the artist's development by including both early and more recent works. Each work is illustrated, and the illustration is accompanied by a commentary designed to guide the reader through the complexities of Haitian life and thought. Complementing the text are several valuable features. A chronology by Pierre Monosiet, Curator, Musée d'Art Haïtien du Collège St. Pierre, Port-au-Prince, dramatizes the events radiating from the establishment of the Centre d'Art in Port-au-Prince in 1944. Gerald Nordland, Director, Milwaukee Art Center, attempts a reassessment of several terms widely used in characterizing Haitian art. Irving Rouse, Professor of Anthropology, Yale University, carefully considers the evidence of American Indian influences in Haitian art within the context of a summary of Haitian prehistory. Robert Farris Thompson, Professor of Art History, Yale University, provides a thorough analysis of the African presence in Haitian ritual arts. One of the primary strengths of HAITIAN ART is the role played by the artists themselves. Most of the artists were interviewed by the author. Though varying in style and approach, they all draw their content from Haitian history, religion, and everyday life. 200 illustrations, including 16 plates in full color.