University of Pittsburgh Exhibition Provides a Glimpse Into History and Culture of Haiti

PITTSBURGH-The rich history and contemporary life of the nation of Haiti is captured in the exhibition "Revolution, Ritual, and Remembrance: The Art of Haiti," which will run Jan. 25 through March 17 at Pitt's University Art Gallery (UAG) in the Frick Fine Arts Building, 650 Schenley Dr., Oakland. The gallery is open Mondays through Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m., with extended hours on Thursdays until 8 p.m. For more information, call 412-648-2423 or visit http://vrcoll.fa.pitt.edu/uag.

The artwork, from a number of private collections in the Pittsburgh area, illustrates Haiti's struggle to become an independent Black nation-surviving war, revolution, and great economic and political difficulties. The Haitian people fought for their freedom in the revolution of 1804 and gained their independence in the only successful slave revolt in the New World. Throughout the following centuries, the nation was controlled by a number of leaders, culminating in Haiti's present government headed by President René Préval. The tumultuous events that occurred throughout Haiti's history are expressed in many of the exhibition's pieces.

In a country where trees and food are in short supply, the artisans depict lush landscapes, alluring images of abundant fruit and vegetables, as well as feasting and revelry. Colorful scenes of everyday life show a proud people whose courage and strength point the way toward a hopeful future. The exhibition also includes heavily beaded and sequined art on fabric backgrounds depicting religious figures or gods and goddesses.

The following events will accompany the exhibition. All will take place in UAG:

Feb. 2 Artist's Talk

5 p.m. Alix Dorleus, Haitian artist

Feb. 8 Gallery Talk: "Haitian and African American

4 p.m. Historical Struggle Against Racism Through the NAACP "

Leon Pamphile, author and Hatian native

Feb. 16 Gallery Talk: "The Joyous Surrealism of Haitian Art"

4 p.m. Marcus Rediker, Pitt professor of history

Feb. 23 Open Mic Event: The Spirit of Haiti

6 p.m. Hosted by Nathan James, actor, spoken word poet, and activist

March 1 Gallery Talk

5 p.m. Ian Rawson, board chair, Hôpital Albert Schweitzer, Haiti, and Lucy Rawson, president, Friends of Hôpital Albert Schweitzer

March 15 Gallery Talk: "Images of Haiti: Dumpster Deities and

5 p.m. Other Paradoxes"

Bill Bollendorf, director, Galerie Macondo

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