FROM THE ASHES WE RISE ONCE AGAIN

Haiti is not well known for its natural or material resources but for its art which has enchanted people all over the world. Arteaméricas acknowledges the challenges facing this nation member of the hemisphere and expresses its solidarity toward fellow Haitian artists by presenting the Haiti Pavillion for the first time in the renowned International Art Fair. The Haiti Art Consortium expresses its deepest gratitude and acknowledges Arteaméricas, our supporters-individuals, corporations, and foundations for their contribution and commitment to helping sustain the production of Haitian art.

Contemporary Haitian Memory in Motion is organized by the newly formed Haiti Art Consortium in the aftermath of the recent and devastating earthquake in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. It is an innovative undertaking that uses the Haitian cultural concept of Kombit—the spontaneous gathering of individuals/ organizations/ institutions that marshal their various capacities toward the achievement of a specific goal. This innovative framework gives voice to the voiceless by providing visitors at Arteaméricas an opportunity to view works by well known and lesser known contemporary Haitian artists whose lack of visas and financial resources inhibit their contributions from being recognized.

Seen as an international Kombit, Contemporary Haitian Memory in Motion provides a unique opportunity for stakeholders to bring their resources into a meaningful project. The Haiti Pavilion will present Haitian master contemporary artists from Port-au-Prince and anticipates the presence of some of the artists who can make the journey to Miami and their engagement with visitors in dialogue and exchange of ideas both on their productions and future of their country. Haitian master artist participants to this project have been organized in two groups: artists from the homeland and from the Diaspora.

The primary title of this project Contemporary Haitian Memory in Motion is borrowed from Haitian master artist Philippe Dodard’s 2009 large installation at the (CIFO) Cisneros Fontanal Art Foundation . The collection presents works by Ralph Allen, Turgo Bastien, Ludovic Booz, Cassagnol, Philippe Dodard, Marie-Therese Dupoux (Marithou), Gontran Durocher, Marie-Louise
Fouchard, Franketienne, Solanges Jolicoeur, Genevieve Lahens (Iris), Francesca Lalanne, Gizou Lamothe, Jean Claude Leganeur, Thomas Mackenson, Monfleuri Riboul, Jude Papaloko, Rolf Sambale, Semerand, Guy Syllien, and Gregory Vorbe.

Contemporary Haitian Memory in Motion aspires to extend beyond the fair and serve as a model of altruism in light of more recent tragedies. The launching of Contemporary Haitian Memory in Motion during the Arteaméricas fair epitomizes the public spirit and amity of the South Florida entire community to live together in solidarity to one another. The project is a perfect vehicle for sustaining the production of Haitian art even in these difficult moments. Contemporary Memory in Motion takes us on a journey through Haiti’s conception and usage of memory in facing the challenge of its lifetime.

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