Jan. 4, 2006 — "The Art Show" at Alexander's Bella Blu presents "The Art of Haiti Today" an exhibit of original paintings from Haiti. The show opens Friday with a champagne reception from 5 – 7 p.m. at Alexander's Bella Blu in Frenchtown.
"The Art of Haiti Today" reflects a collection of paintings curated by Caroll Sirhakis and represented by Gallery St. Thomas. "Caroll is a definitive resource for Haitian art in the Virgin Islands," Claire Ochoa coordinator and owner of Gallery St. Thomas, says. " Most of her 35 years on St. Thomas have been spent promoting the artwork of Haiti and this show reflects her knowledge and our shared interest in the work." Ochoa says.
The exhibit features over 25 works of art from contemporary artists and a few pieces from Sirhakis' personal collection also available for sale. Exhibiting artists include Ernst Joseph, Magda Magloire, Exume, Thelemaque Dominque, J.R. Chery and Montas Antoine.
Artwork from Haiti has drawn international attention, Ochoa said in a release about the show. As with the art from any country, Haitian art reflects the complexities of Haitian culture, politics and religion. The mystique and interest in Haitian art for many collectors is the recognition of the tremendous creativity and spirit from artists living in a country with the fewest economic resources in the Western Hemisphere. Sirhakis adds, "The art of Haiti today is so powerful and carries so much more emotion. With traditional art schools still non-existant, artists continue to share their styles and I have found their work unbelievably more creative and dynamic than 30 years ago," Sirhakis says. "I just think what they are doing today is fantastic."
"The Art of Haiti Today" exhibit kicks off "The Art Show" 2006 series. All work is for sale. The exhibit will run through March 9, and is open to the public. For more information contact "The Art Show" coordinator, Gallery St. Thomas at 340-777-6363 or online at www.GalleryStThomas.com.
