Sacred Diagrams: Haitian Vodou Flags from the Gessen Collection
Now Extended through February 23, 2020
Tampa Museum of Art
Tampa, Florida
tampamuseum.org
“Sacred Diagrams: Haitian Vodou Flags from the Gessen Collection” examines the tradition and artistry of Haitian Vodou flags. Often made of discarded burlap bags, repurposed fabric, beads, and sequins, Vodou flags represent Haiti’s spiritually rich yet often misunderstood Vodou religion. Guest curator and artist Edouard Duval-Carrié (Haitian, b. 1954) examines the role of Vodou flags and flagmakers within Haiti’s dynamic visual culture. Sacred Diagrams highlights vintage ceremonial flags from the 1950s and 1960s, as well as explores recent interpretations of Vodou flags by artists Clotaire Bazile, Myrlande Constant, Mireille Delice Delisme, Silva Joseph, Dubreus Lherisson, Edgar Jean Louis, Antoine Oleyant, Yves Telemaque, and George Valris.
Image:
St. Jacques Majeur, c. 1950-1970’s
Artist unknown, Sequins and beads on cloth. 33 x 31 inches. Collection of Ed and Ann Gessen. Photographer: Philip LaDeau
