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A tiny little country with a wreath of clouds around its mountains and a long coastline has been plagued by revolutions, corrupt political leaders, poverty and now a devastating earthquake.
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Christie’s, New York: September 3, 2008
Haiti was once a rich and flourishing country. It is now the poorest country in the Western world.
Wilson Bigaud (b. 1931), La Ronde, 1953
Christie's East: May 19, 1992
They have an old religion, an old oral history, and an old mythology woven into a complex cultural foundation.
Hector Hyppolite, (1894-1948), La Dauration l’amour (The Adoration of Love), 1946-48 Milwaukee Art Museum
Haiti has one of the richest visual spirits. Sparkling with vitality, Haitian art has an unprecedented openness and honesty.
Wilson Bigaud, Haitian Market Scene (date unknown) ; Sloans & Kenyon: Chevy Chase, MD; February 11, 2007
Haitians are not ordinary people, they are visionaries.
Salnave Philippe-Auguste (b. 1908), Flamingoes, c. 1962-1964
Wishes to them that their courage and strength will point the way toward a hopeful future. I hope their spirit will rise once more.
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Top image: Hector Hyppolite (1894-1948), St Francis and the Christ Child, 1946-1948 ; Last two images from the book Haitain Art by Ute Stebich, 1978. Erzulie, the Voodoo goddess of love, is known for her love of flamingoes.