21617: (Hermantin)Sunsentinel-Haitian renders nation's history and culture in art (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: leonie hermantin <lhermantin@hotmail.com>

Haitian renders nation's history and culture in art

By Alva James-Johnson
Staff Writer
Posted April 29 2004

As one of Haiti's most renowned artists, Jean-Claude Garoute promotes art as
the means to heal the troubled nation as it enters its third century.

"Creation is important if you want a strong Haiti," the artist, known as
"TIGA," said in a makeshift studio in his daughter's Lauderhill garage. "We
need a new world, a rebirth."

Garoute, 68, spoke as part-philosopher, part-painter surrounded by vibrant
images.

One of his works is made up of 100 small paintings that together spell the
word "Haiti" and trace the country's history. Another, titled The Big Lady,
features an obese woman who Garoute says represents the fusion of the
African, European and American Indian cultures that gave birth to the
Haitian people.

To commemorate Haiti's bicentennial, his work will be on exhibit at the
Museum of Art in Fort Lauderdale starting Saturday, a collaboration between
the ACTION Foundation, the museum, Broward County and the city of Fort
Lauderdale.

Eric Boucicaut, president of the foundation, said Haiti's recent political
crisis put a damper on the bicentennial, and the organization decided not to
celebrate. But it's still a significant moment in history that should not be
overlooked.

"The fact that we decided not to celebrate [the bicentennial] does not make
the fact that the event took place less important," he said. "Instead, we
want to commemorate Haiti as the first black nation and the first successful
slave revolt in the world."

Despite its abject poverty, Haiti is known the world over for art that
ranges from brightly colored paintings and sequined voodoo flags to
intricate wood carvings, metal work and papier-mâché masks. Artists
desperate to make a living hawk such items on the streets of Port-au-Prince
every day.

Garoute says art is the path to a better future for Haiti. A native of
Port-au-Prince, he began his career as a child. He developed as a polyvalent
artist, working in various media and developing teaching techniques. In
1956, he became director of the Center of Ceramics under the Ministry of
National Education. He was 21 years old.

In 1968, Garoute founded the Poto-mitan Art Center, the cradle for many of
Haiti's most renowned artists. There, he developed a movement called Saint
Soleil, or Holy Sun, which puts people in touch with innate creative
ability.

Garoute brought his technique to peasants in the mountains of Soisson La
Montagne, about 25 miles southeast of Port-au-Prince.

"They had a new consciousness, an experience of being reborn," he said.
"Some became artists and are now traveling the world."

Boucicaut said art and culture are the two parts of Haiti least affected by
the political unrest that has plagued the country intermittently for 200
years. It represents the very essence of the people.

"Haiti is known to have more artists per capita than any country in the
world," he said. "Art feeds millions. It's a way of life."

Alva James-Johnson can be reached at ajjohnson@sun-sentinel.com or
954-356-4523.

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