Vodou Riche Exhibit – by Matt Vasiliauskas
Review of the Vodou Riche Exhibit at Columbia College Chicago:
For well over a century now, much of western literature and cinema has depicted Haiti as a rather foreboding and dangerous country. It is a place of poverty, rampant violence and a region where the bizarre religious practices of the native people are said to be directed such to the side of evil that they have the ability to raise the dead. Examples of this can be seen in a variety of Hollywood films.
It is these misconceptions of Haiti that have led many outsiders to tack on an unnecessary stigma to this culturally rich nation.
Haiti was born from a slave rebellion, the only country to do so in such a manner. It is this spirit of struggle, growth and ultimately freedom that dominates the work contained within the Glass Curtain gallery’s latest exhibit Vodou Riche, Contemporary Haitian Art, which runs now through October 16th.
The exhibit features artists of Haitian origin from all over the world, allowing the varying views of the country’s heritage, religion and citizens to mesh into one vivid illustration of life and the complexities which embody it.
Vodou, meaning “Service to the Spirits,” is truly an appropriate theme for the showcased pieces, for the word unintentionally provides the initial stigma the majority of audience members are likely to possess, but through the displayed works, allows for a sort of metamorphosis of misconception into greater understanding.
The exhibit features an eclectic mix of painting, sculpture, installation and hand craft such has the beautiful sequined Vodou flags or drapos. These elaborate renderings of religious beliefs will often feature the snake patriarch Danbala, or Ezili Dantor, celestial earth mother and divine warrior. In many ways these creations mirror Roman Catholic processional banners, which is no surprise considering the significant influence Catholicism has had on Vodou. It is a way of welcoming the spirits, and whether displayed in home or within the confines of a sacred arena, provide extremely rewarding
religious and aesthetic elements.
Besides Roman Catholic influence, African ancestry as well as French Colonialism lends itself to the Vodou belief structure which can be seen throughout many of the works within the exhibit. Ideas of spirits, angels, material offerings and prayers dominate these pieces, transporting the viewer into the mentality of the depicted spirit as well as the artist.
One of the more well known artists featured is Edouard Duval Carrie. Born in Port-au-Prince but currently residing in Miami, Carrie’s work is able to incorporate the historically and religiously complex aspects of Haitian life. It through works such as “My Life as a Tree,” that Carrie is able to delve deep within his psyche, revealing thoughts behind his own origins and beliefs. Like much of Haitian art, and as the title would suggest, the work shows the roots, body and continued growth of a nation desperately wanting to benefit its people in every aspect possible.
There is a saying that Haiti is 80% Roman Catholic, 20% Protestant and 100% Vodou. These numbers do not lie, and from every drop of paint, to meticulously stitched piece of fabric hanging from the walls, one can see the extreme reverence and creative potential of the Haitian people.
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