Dec. 3, 2008 – Mango Tango Seaside Art Gallery hosts "Intuitive Links," a six-week exhibition, showcasing the wealth of Haitian. On view are voodoo flags, metal work, paintings and obeechi bowls.
The religious origins of Voodoo flags are sometimes overshadowed by their increasing popularity as pure objects of art among art collectors. The flags, made from satin, silk, cloth or burlap, and embroidered with beads, pearls, and sequins of often radiantly iridescent colors, are much sought-after today for their aesthetics. The colorful embroidery, the complexity of the decorative patterns, the sheer inventiveness in the depiction of the various "loas" (spirits) to whom the flags are dedicated, are captivating. In the past, however, Voodoo flags have been regarded as sacred, and they play an important part in Voodoo ceremonies. Stored in shrines, these sacred objects are carried out during ceremonies by Voodoo priestesses to honor and call forth the loas to whom the ceremony is dedicated. Formerly, the flags were designed by Voodoo priests. Antique flags are often, but not always, starker in color and design, their patterns less intricate, their embroidery less complex.
Unpainted metal sculptures are the ultimate in making art from recycling. They are made from discarded steel drums, which have been used to ship oil. Without any electric tools and simply using a chisel and a hammer, the sculptor expresses himself in an art form unique to Haiti. Steel drum art calls for complex work on the part of the sculptor. The texture is very essential to give life to the sculpture. Characteristics of metal sculptures include areas that are concave or convex to create depth, intricate patterns made by hammering in "bumps" of different heights to create texture, and lines chiseled in to define characteristics of the object, such as folds in apparel and veins on a leaf.
The artists' ingenuity and quality of imagination, combined with elements of voodoo and surrealism, and their refined metalworking technique have captured the attention of collectors world-wide. These works of art will gain more value in time, now that the modern 55-gallon drum is made of plastic. As the steel drum disappears from the scene, the art of steel drum sculpture will become increasingly rare.
Paintings from Haiti have been delighting collectors since the 1950s. Themes include florals, fantasy, portraits, island life and spiritual depictions. Many of the artists included in this show have exhibited in the United States and Europe and have permanent displays in museums.
The obeechi bowls are made from a renewable tree that matures in seven years. Since most of Haiti was deforested, started by a paranoid Papa Doc, the days of finding the delightful mahogany dishes from Haiti are gone. The Einstein Albert family makes functional vessels from the obeechi tree. There are 11 coats of polyurethane on each dish. Robert Redford's Sundance company was one of the first stateside outlets for the elegant bowls. Nordstrum followed in showcasing a beautiful dish that is sculptural and yet sturdy enough to be washed by soap and water. Best of all, the Albert farm replants trees.
Mango Tango Art Gallery is open during the week until 6 p.m., and on Friday and Saturday until 7 p.m. The show will continue through Jan. 10.
For more information call 715-2789.
