Drapo Visions

Haitian Artists
22 September 1999 to 22 October 1999

80-90% of the Haitian population practice Vodou, a religion influenced by Western and Central African religious beliefs, and Roman Catholicism.

The sequinned ‘drapo’ (flags) depict the worshipped ‘Iwa’ (spirits) who are consulted during divinational rites. Reflecting society, the Iwa’s iconic significance adapts itself to the contemporary social, political and spiritual needs of its practitioners, regenerating its power irrespective of economic and geographical constraints.

This exhibition of contemporary ‘drapo’ and metal sculpture was organised in collaboration with Leah Gordon and Charles Arthur of the Haitian Support Group.