Chicago, IL -- Vodou Riche: Contemporary Haitian Art is a multimedia exhibition presenting painting, sculpture, photography, installation, video, textiles and assemblage. Vodou Riche, art by Haitian-born artists who work within a social and political sensibility informed by Vodou, Haiti's national religion, offers a broad and inclusive view of the contemporary art of Vodou. The exhibition runs August 27 – October 16, 2007 at Columbia's Glass Curtain Gallery, 1104 S. Wabash. Call 312.344.6643 or visit www.colum.edu/cspaces for gallery hours and information.
Emerging and established artists embrace a history of appropriating imagery and incorporating found objects into art, a practice born from necessity and great invention. Haitian art absorbs and interprets visual culture so masterfully because of its foundation in Vodou, a religion and way of life that was born and survived due to its history of accommodation and inclusion. As artists embrace new artistic movements, methods and media within the art of Vodou, their work grows increasingly vital in the contemporary art world. In Haiti and the Daspora, artwork spans from artist collectives who reclaim urban spaces to create monumental sculpture to established artists who innovate traditional genres like the Vodou flag to illustrate contemporary issues.
Part of Columbia College's Critical Encounters focus, Poverty and Privilege, Vodou Riche: Contemporary Haitian Art challenges Haiti's oft-used label "the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere" by presenting the abundance and wealth of Haiti's creative output. While the country continues to struggle with serious economic and social problems, Haitians embrace their richness of art, culture and history. The work presented here, produced within the past 5 years, proves Haiti's irrepressible, vibrant and triumphant spirit.
RELATED PROGRAMMING
Vodou Tou: A Student Response
October 11, 2007 - January 2, 2008
C33 Gallery, 33 East Congress
To provide an opportunity for students to directly engage with Poverty and Privilege as well as the imagery, media and themes of Vodou Riche, [C]Spaces and our academic partners are offering a "student response" exhibition that will immediately follow Vodou Riche. The student-produced work in Vodou Tou will range from fine art and design to creative writing and dance. The exhibition will be curated, marketed and managed by Columbia College students.
-end-