Friday, March 22, 2013

Haiti Contemporary Artists Showcase

Raynald Leconte mounted a stellar pop up exhibition on 2nd Avenue near 60th Street with some of Haiti's best artists: Mario Benjamin, Prefete Duffaut, Frantz Zephirin, Sebastien Jean, Dubreus Lherisson, David Boyer, Mirlande Constant, a series of Voodoo flags by Georges Valris, Yves Thelemaque, Onel, Edy Jacques, Killy and Cheby. Head of the Haitian Cultural Foundation (raynald@haitianculturalfoundation.org) Raynald is a fount of information about Haiti and Haitian art in general.
This exhibition was the diamond among a lot of stones during the Armory. Here we had a range of work that was full of surprise, delight and spirituality. If only we could have more pop ups that are full with energy like this exhibition, not beaten down by the market and boring  as are most of what we see in commercial galleries and art fairs these days.
Consider this one artist, Frantz Zephirin, to understand the range of work that was on view (and still can be seen through private viewings arranged by Leconte). 

Frantz Zephirin


Frantz Zephirin




Frantz Zephirin


Frantz Zephirin


Frantz Zephirin
In addition to paintings, there were flags, assemblage, collage and sculpture. Look at this video, narrated by the musician Annie Lennox, to get an idea of what you missed, and what you can still experience if you get in touch with Raynald Leconte at the email address above.

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