Photos: Haiti Cultural Exchange
Brooklyn, NY—Haiti Cultural Exchange (HCX) is thrilled to announce Sacred Banners of Haitian Vodou, a landmark exhibition exploring the rich history and artistry of Haitian Vodou banners. This extraordinary collection, curated by renowned Haitian art historian and curator Axelle Liautaud, highlights the intricate beauty, cultural significance, and spiritual resonance of these handcrafted works.
This exhibition coincides with the Outsider Art Fair, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the depth and vibrancy of Haitian Vodou artistry alongside one of the art world’s most celebrated showcases of self-taught and unconventional artists.
In addition to the exhibition, HCX presents:
Sunday March 9 | 3-6pm: Traditional Haitian Flag Making Technique Demonstration with featured artist Mireille Delice
For the closing of the exhibition, HCX welcomes Sacred Banners of Haitian Vodou artist Mireille Delice. A renowned Haitian flag maker, Delice will share about her global career and distinct technique creating new methods in the vivid art of Haitian traditional beadwork. Moderated by exhibition curator Axelle Liautaud.
About Mirielle Delice
Mireille Delice (also spelled Delismé) was born in 1965, in Haiti. In 2011, Delisme’s work Catastrophe du 12 Janvier, a Vodou flag created to depict the crumpled buildings and the bodies of the dead caused by the earthquake, was part of an exhibit at the Museum of International Folk Art titled “The Arts of Survival: Folk Expression in the Face of Natural Disaster.” The same work was exhibited in Kathmandu, Nepal in Spring, 2022 as part of the Kathmandu Triennale. Delisme has displayed and sold her works at the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market for many years (2011, 2012, 2013, 2016 and 2024).
About the Exhibition
Inspired by 18th and 19th-century French church ornaments and army flags, Vodou banners—known as drapo Vodou—have been central to Haitian Vodou ceremonies for centuries. Used to adorn altars and carried during vibrant dancing processions honoring the lwa, these banners are masterpieces of beadwork, sequins, and fabric art.
Drawn from Axelle Liautaud’s personal collection, which she began amassing in the 1980s, Sacred Banners of Haitian Vodou features works from the era’s pioneering flag makers to contemporary artisans, offering an unparalleled look at the evolution of this traditional art form.
Featured Artists
The exhibition showcases banners by 15 master artists, including:
- Antoine Oleyant
- Myrlande Constant
- Jean Baptiste Jean Joseph
- Dubréus Lhérisson
- Rudy Azor
- And many more
Their works represent diverse artistic styles and techniques, underscoring the individuality and innovation within this centuries-old tradition.
About the Curator
Axelle Liautaud has been at the forefront of Haitian art preservation and promotion for over 30 years. Known for her expertise in Vodou banners, she was the first to introduce this art form to the international market. Liautaud has collaborated with institutions such as the Fowler Museum and the Smithsonian Haiti Cultural Recovery Project, leading efforts to protect and elevate Haitian cultural heritage globally.
Admission
This exhibition is free and open to the public. Donations are welcome to support Haiti Cultural Exchange’s mission to preserve and promote Haitian culture.
About Haiti Cultural Exchange
Haiti Cultural Exchange (HCX) is dedicated to developing, presenting, and promoting Haitian cultural expression through innovative programs and partnerships that build community empowerment. Located at 558 St. Johns Place in Brooklyn, HCX serves as a vital hub for artists, scholars, and community members.
This exhibition & activations are part of HCX’s ongoing Vizyon Atistik programming.
For more information, please visit https://haiticulturalx.org/events/ or contact Kassandra Khalil at Kassandra [at] haiticulturalx.org | (347) 565-4429.
