23310: (Hermantin) Miami-Herald-Sharing the joy of Haitian art (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: leonie hermantin <lhermantin@hotmail.com>


Posted on Sun, Sep. 26, 2004

PLANTATION


Sharing the joy of Haitian art

Examples from Candice Russell's extensive collection are on display in two
exhibits.

BY JULIE LEVIN

Special to the Herald


Candice Russell remembers sitting in a Washington, D.C., restaurant 20 years
ago, and being captivated by the Haitian art displayed around her.

''They were long, thin, odd-shaped paintings with happy scenes of the
tropics, beaches and villages with beautiful colors. They made me so
happy,'' said Russell, who lives in Plantation.

Out of that encounter has grown a passion for the vibrant and colorful art
from the Caribbean nation.

The joy she has had putting together her extensive collection is eclipsed
only by her ability to share it with others. An independent curator, she
currently has two shows on display at the Boca Raton Museum of Art.

The shows, Haitian Vodou Flags and Haitian Paintings From the Candice
Russell Collection, are on display through Nov. 7.

Russell says Haitian art appeals to viewers on many levels.

``It's more than just color. A lot of it is the spirit and intention behind
the work. There's a real joy to it, and a intuitive mastery of color and
form.''

Russell's collection includes Vodou flags, paintings, wooden and steel
sculptures, masks, papier-mché and mixed media.

On her first trip to Haiti, she came across a 12-inch-by-12-inch sequined
and beaded piece of cloth. She was taken by the color and detailed work.
Each piece has anywhere from hundreds to thousands of sequins and beads
painstakingly stitched on.

She learned all she could about the flags, sacred items used in ceremonies.
The beads glitter in the moonlight, which Russell says is believed to help
contact the spirits.

''Many of these artists are self-taught, and their works are simply
stunning,'' she said.

Russell, The Herald's former theater critic, curates several shows each year
in Florida and around the country.

As curator, Russell selects the pieces and writes a detailed description of
each work and artist. She wants visitors to learn as much about her beloved
art as she has.

''When you see the range of expression and quality of what's produced, it
just boggles the mind,'' she said.

Russell, a self-taught art collector, has devoured book after book on
Haitian art and is writing one of her own. She is also writes art reviews.

Her love of art came from growing up in a home that was filled with original
art her mother collected from all corners of the world.

Russell opens her home each year to anyone who wants to learn more about
Haitian art or to add to their own collections. The sales are every weekend
between Thanksgiving and Christmas at her Plantation home, 421 W. Tropical
Way.


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