In light of the current Figge exhibition, Edouard Duval Carrié: Endless Flight, Claire and Melissa explore the topic of Haitian art with Haitian artist Edouard Duval-Carrié and Caribbean art scholar, Dr. Alfredo Rivera of Grinnell College.
Since the 15th century, what is now known as the country of Haiti on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola has undergone several transformations — from its beginnings, inhabited by the indigenous Taino people, to Spanish and then French colonization, and with it the influx of African slaves, to a revolution for independence, then ruled by a series of varying political leaders, and on to a Haitian diaspora.
All of this movement and migration has heavily influenced the art of Edouard Duval-Carrié. His researched-infused paintings and sculptures blend aspects of Haiti’s history over the course of time and place, and encourage viewers to consider where one comes from and and the role culture plays in one’s personal identity.
In this episode, Claire and Melissa speak with Duval-Carrié about his start as an artist, and the path his art has taken over the years. They also chat with Dr. Alfredo Rivera, who has collaborated with Duval-Carrié on many projects, about situating his artwork into an art historical context.
If you’re in the area, make sure to visit the Figge and view the exhibition Endless Flight, on display until February 4, 2018. To learn more about Edouard Duval-Carrié, you can explore his website.
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Produced by Lacy Scarmana.
