Haitian Artists Safe
Friday, January 22, 2010
This beaded and sequined Vodoun flag was made by Georges Valris of HaitiFour master Haitian artists who come yearly to the prestigious International Folk Art Market are, remarkably, all safe: Georges Valris, who makes beautiful sequined and beaded Vodoun flags; Michée Ramil Remy and Serge Jolimeau, both renowned for their recycled steel-drum sculptures; and Pierre Edgard Satyr, who is an extraordinary artist and leader of a cooperative of over 300 Haitian papier-mâché artists, whose work is central to Carnival celebrations in Haiti.
The terrible human loss and devastation in Haiti is staggering and the rebuilding efforts will be enormous. These artists have a significant American following that collects their work at the Market, generating the money that allows them to make a living, employ others in Haiti, and keep their rich traditional art forms alive. Metal sculptors Serge and Michée were chosen last year to create awards for the Clinton Global Initiative.
Video footage (taken by CGI at the 2009 Market) of the artists at work and interacting with visitors to the Market is available.
For the people of Haiti, finding financial sustainability while rebuilding will be critical in the coming months and years. “Haitian folk arts have long provided not only spiritual sustenance but also much-needed income to many there for generations,” says Charlene Cerny, Executive Director of the International Folk Art Market, held in Santa Fe, New Mexico each summer.
“Finding ways to support the continuance of such traditions as metal- sculpting, painting, and Carnival mask-making by supporting the recovery of these artisans and their workshops—and in particular finding more markets for their work—will now be more important than ever.”
Below are links to their bios:
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