Searching for Beauty in Haiti

Searching for Beauty in Haiti
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I attended the Transculturel Forum of contemporary art in Haiti a little over a month ago. This program brought artists from around the world (Madagascar, Cameroon, Canada, Guadeloupe, Togo, Benin, France, Dominican Republic) to make art with Haitian artists and students for one week. The Forum culminated with an exhibition of the work that was created throughout the week. Six of the artists then went to Paris immediately after the Forum in Haiti ended and installed their work in the Project Room of Maison Revue Noire in Paris.

This experience was incredible, possibly life changing. It solidified for me the reasons for why art matters. (The video explains!) In addition, I always enjoy the opportunity to spend time with artists during the creative process. I want to know what's happening in their heads! Plus I got to learn a little about Haiti, a fascinating and mysterious place.

The six artists whose work was exhibited in Paris in October 2011:

  • Mario BENJAMIN (Haïti)
  • Maksaens DENIS (Haïti)
  • Boris NZEBO (Cameroon)
  • Hervé YAMGUEN (Cameroon)
  • Rina RALAY-RANAIVO (Madagascar)
  • TEMANDROTA (Madagascar)

The Forum was organized by La Fondation AfricAmérica with support from the organization TRANS Project.

The TRANS Project was created within the framework of the ACP group program, which is funded by the European Union.

The TRANS Project is a partnership between:

  • Doual'Art (Cameroun)
  • 30 et Presque-Songes (Madagascar)
  • Fondation AfricAmericA (Haïti)
  • Revue Noire (France)

The Forum took place in Port-au-Prince, Pétion-Ville, and Croix de Bouquets from September 25 through October 3, 2011.

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