The Haitian Renaissance Foundation and The Consulate of the Republic of Haiti in New York City today announced that two large paintings representing the gratitude of Haiti’s children and local artist community are being shown in the Ayiti Kanpe (Haiti Standing) Exhibit at the United Nations. The multimedia exhibit, titled “Ayiti Kanpe” (Haiti Standing), pays tribute to the Haitian population and the United Nations peacekeepers that lost their lives as a result of the January 12, 2010 earthquake.
The paintings, titled “Merci,” were the idea of Samuel “Sammo” Augustin who is a Haitian artist, and a New York City art school teacher. All supplies used in the creation of the paintings were provided by donations received through a fundraiser sponsored by his students and the staff of MS385 in Brooklyn, NY. The paintings were created by a collaboration of local Haitian artists including Luberisse J.H., Frederick J.H., Roga, Eddy Gaetan, Rico J. Baptiste, J. Wiggins, J. Bien Aime (Dio), and Daniele Lewis amidst the rubble of the Haitian earthquake and are the only paintings on display among the collection of photographs, videos and interviews in the “Ayiti Kanpe” exhibit. The “Merci” paintings will be on display in the North-East Gallery of the Visitors Lobby of United Nations Headquarters until August 28th.
The Consul General of Haiti Felix Augustin stated, “The Haitian people have the utmost gratitude for the outpouring of support and the overwhelming response we have received from the world community following the disaster. The ‘Merci’ paintings represent the deep appreciation for the world’s generosity, care and assistance during our most difficult time. Each painting sends a unique message. The first is the collective vision of Haiti’s past, present and future as seen through the eyes of our local artists. The second work was created together with the help of the children of Haiti that have been affected by the earthquake. The artists used a collection of handprints from young earthquake victims to send a message of eternal gratitude. It is my hope that these paintings will forever stand as a reminder to each and every person that contributed to our recovery that Haiti will never forget them. Having these paintings on display in the United Nations will not only highlight the talent of our vibrant artist community but will provide an opportunity for the world to hear the children of Haiti say ‘thank you’ for the very first time.”
Prints of the “Merci” paintings are for sale in the bookstores of the United Nations and the Brooklyn Museum of Art. All proceeds from the sale of the prints will be distributed by The Haitian Renaissance Foundation to help local artists and the children of Haiti who have suffered in the wake of the earthquake.