Haitian Sculptures and Paintings

"Naive art painting refers to painting done in a primeval style and these paintings are of country themes such as farms or other rural objects. These painting techniques can be used for paintings, metal sculptures and even furniture. This painting is featured by plainness of style, a strong use of pattern and a lack of realism, particularly when it comes to dimension and perspective. This type of art reflects everyday life and is often primitive in nature. Most folk artists do not have formal training, and the works of art they create are often for household use or to decorate family objects. Naive painting is an art form that comes from the traditions and experiences of the common people. As a traditional art form, naive art painting is not attached to a particular location or time period.
Naive art began as a way of decorating the home and surrounding environment, during the 20th century, the art world also began to view naive painting as legitimate art. A naive artist is self-taught, rather than educated or trained in art, and doesn't follow the classical traditions or trends of the mainstream art world. The artist tends to produce simple paintings about things he/she knows personally where as the subjects of his/her paintings are generally not intended to look realistic. A lack of technical skills is one of the main traits that identify naive art painting. A naive artist is inspired by his surroundings rather than classical art or abstract ideas, so many naive art paintings depict rural life or everyday activities and use materials that are widely available.
Haiti's ethnic mixture of African, Catholic, French vodou and tribal roots contribute to its colorful, distinctive arts and crafts industry. Haiti has also enjoyed a measure of commercial success with its artwork. Haitians have a predilection for bright colors, which can be seen in their crafts. Many Haitian crafts are also influenced by the country's culture and its French roots. Haitian Paintings express the history, the landscape, the struggles and the joy of the people. Haiti has always bled masters of the visual arts -- from sculpture, both wood and metal, basket weaving, pottery, recycled metals, sequined Vodoun flags, murals, to the canvas.

Haitian wood carvers coax graceful forms from native wood. The subjects are almost always figurative, but these figures go beyond mere representation and into the realm of dream and dance. The most spectacular Haitian art form is the sequin-covered Drapo Vodou or Voodoo Flag. They're designed with beads and bright colors. They're typically made from cloth, satin or silk materials and are often used in religious ceremonies. Haitian sculptors as well as other artists use wood, soapstone, and scrap metal from recycled oil drums and other available materials. Haitian Metal Art form uses recycled oil drums and the artists use hammers and assorted chisels to cut and bend the metal into artwork. Themes include sea-life, celestial designs, nature, and dancing people. Some artists paint their creations while others just polish the metal and apply an anti-corrosive preservative.

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