May 16, 2012

Haiti After the Earthquake





This is the first in a series of discussions focusing on the impact of natural and man-made disasters on culture and the role artists play in the aftermath of abrupt ruptures with the past. Panelists will discuss what was lost culturally in Haiti, what was saved, and how regional and international financial and philanthropic intervention drives new paths of creativity and the dissemination and interpretation of culture.


PANELISTS:

  • Alexandra Barbot, Artist, Director, Haitian Historical Museum and Archives
  • Philippe Dodard, Artist and Director of the National School of Arts in Haiti
  • Jean-Germain Gros, Associate Professor Political Science and Public Policy, University of Missouri, St. Louis
  • Babacar M’bow, Independent Curator, Managing Editor, Encyclopedia of the African Diaspora
  • Gregory Vorbe, Artist



HONOREE:    EDWIDGE DANTICAT 


Author Edwidge Danticat will receive the Dodard “Work of the Year” award for her attachment to and promotion of Haiti, its people and culture. For over 10 years, Philippe Dodard, one of Haiti’s leading artists, has dedicated a painting to a fellow Haitian working in the humanities as an expression of solidarity in the struggle for a better tomorrow. Dodard stated, “Edwidge Danticat's body of work has provided. Breath, Eye and Memory" in an articulation of what we all have in common ----our humanity making thereby the world a much better place. As our country re-engages once again in its quest for a better tomorrow Danticat's work and life provide an example to all of us particularly the young generation. She has articulated with brilliancy our hopes and dreams, our tears and bursts of laughter.”



ON VIEW: THE LUMINOUS BREATH OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT: DONNA KARAN AND PHILIPPE DODARD


This exhibition on view from May 16 – June 20 focuses on the interactivity between fashion designer Donna Karan and Haitian artist Philippe Dodard.  Known for his fusion of Caribbean mythological iconography with Modern art, Dodard’s strong graphic ink wash paintings inspired Donna Karan’s Spring 2012 Collection.  The MOCA exhibition brings together dresses from the Donna Karan Spring 2012 Collection with Dodard’s paintings.





Moderated by Bonnie Clearwater, Executive Director and Chief Curator, Museum of Contemporary Art. Introduction by Daniel Fils-Aime, Chairman, Haitian-American Historical Society.


Admission is free. Seating is limited. For reservations and information, call 305 893 6211 or visit www.mocanomi.org.


The discussion will also be streamed live on MOCA’s website. www.mocanomi.org/live-stream


To submit your own questions for the panel, email us at MOCAPanelDiscussion@gmail.com


Image source: http://www.mocanomi.org/?p=2423



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