Life and Spirituality in Haitian Art

Life and Spirituality in Haitian Art

Now - Mar 14, 2021
10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

“MOCA is honored to host the most comprehensive survey of work by Raúl de Nieves, complemented by the exhibition, ‘Life and Spirituality in Haitian Art,’ focusing on Haitian art and paying tribute to Haiti’s rich historical, cultural, and artistic heritage.”

“Life and Spirituality in Haitian Art” Selection from the Betty and Isaac Rudman Trust Collection,
On View Nov. 18, 2020–March 14, 2021

This exhibition pays tribute to Haiti’s rich historical, cultural, and artistic heritage. It features renowned 20^th-century masters from the first and second generation of artists associated with Port-au-Prince's Centre d' Art as well as some of their contemporaries and pupils. The show presents a selection of paintings from the Betty and Isaac Rudman Trust Collection, which have never been shown together. In addition to highlighting works by masters such as Hector Hyppolite, Philomé Obin, Rigaud Benoit, Louverture Poisson, Jacques-Enguérrand Gourgue, Wilson Bigaud, and Gérard Valcin, this exhibition also features paintings by Gesner Abelard, Adam Leontus, André Normil, Ernst Louizor, Gerda Louizor, Célestin Faustin, Guy F. Joachim, Roland Palanquet, and Dieudonné Vital. 

The merging of techniques, methods, and cultures is seen through the masters’ work, ushering forth a uniquely and quintessentially Haitian style. The paintings explore the Haitian identity through deep, rich, vibrant colored scenes depicting historical figures, tropical flowers and fruits, real and imagined rural landscapes, and daily activities infused with spirituality and Afro-Caribbean religious symbolism, particularly from a voodoo tradition. The exhibition is curated by Francine Birbragher-Rozencwaig, Ph.D., art historian, independent curator, and art critic. 

“Raul de Nieves: Eternal Return & The Obsidian Heart,” On View Through March 21 

Eternal Return and The Obsidian Heart is, to date, the most comprehensive survey of work by Raúl de Nieves. The exhibition connects the artist’s exuberant material sensibility to his roots in punk music, devotional ritual, and celebratory queerness. The artist draws inspiration from his childhood spent in Michoacán, Mexico, where public religious ceremonies and private rituals incorporate elaborate costuming and theatrical components. Coming of age in DIY scenes in San Diego and San Francisco also energized de Nieves with a theatrical approach to art making. The exhibition is curated by Risa Puleo.

 

Virtual Conversations at MOCA

Conversations at MOCA: Raul de Nieves + Risa Puleo – Thursday, Dec. 3, 7–8:30 p.m.

Join artist Raul De Nieves in conversation with exhibition curator Risa Puleo via Zoom as they discuss De Nieves’ exhibition “Eternal Return & the Obsidian Heart”; his history, art and performance practice; and De Nieves’ affinity for punk rock, performance and mysticism.  RSVP here. 

Conversations at MOCA: Life and Spirituality in Haitian Art – Saturday, Dec. 5, 12–1:30 p.m.

Join artist Edouard Duval-Carrie via Zoom in a conversation that pays tribute to Haiti’s rich cultural and artistic heritage. Moderated by guest curator of MOCA’s current exhibition, “Life and Spirituality in Haitian Art,” Francine Birbragher-Rozencwaig. RSVP here. 

 

Family Programs

Virtual MOCA miniMakers: Miami Art Week Edition – Saturday, Dec. 5, 2 p.m.  

Children ages 6–12 and their families are invited to MOCA’s signature make-and-take workshops, taught by local working artists. Creative workshops are inspired by MOCA’s current exhibitions.  Watch via Facebook Live

Virtual Sunday Stories: Miami Art Week Edition. – Sunday, Dec. 6, 11:30 a.m.

Children ages 1–5 enjoy a story reading from “Shante Keys and the New Year's Peas” by Gail Piernas-Davenport and Marion Eldridge, followed by a hands-on early childhood art project. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to stay and create with their children.  Watch via Facebook Live

 

Virtual Tours:

On Sunday, Nov. 29 and Dec. 6 at 3:00 p.m., MOCA’s Curator of Education Amanda Covach will provide a virtual tour of MOCA’s current exhibitions “Raúl De Nieves: Eternal Return & The Obsidian Heart” and “Life and Spirituality in Haitian Art,” Selection from the Betty and Isaac Rudman Trust Collection.

RSVP here for Nov. 29 Virtual Tour

RSVP here for Dec. 6 Virtual Tour

 

MOCA’s extended opening hours during Miami Art Week are Tuesday, Dec. 1, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Wednesday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Thursday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.