The Rhythm and Color of Haiti

October 26 - January 31. 2025

Opening reception: Saturday, October 26, 5-8pm

The gallery is presenting an exhibition of Haitian paintings along side the first exhibition of Haitian paintings at The National Gallery of Art in Washington DC

This art show commemorates the talent of the Haitian people, who have a strong resilience to survive and stay hopeful in the midst of all adversities. Haiti is a country so rich in culture and history, and we hope to showcase this reality through the vitality of Haitian Art.

Haiti became the world's first black-led republic when it gained its independence from French colonial control and slavery in 1804. This country has faced many hurdles throughout its history from political unrest, natural disasters, extreme economic hardships and poverty, Cholera outbreaks and a more recent spike of gang violence. Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. An estimated 60 percent of the population lives below the poverty line, searching for food to eat, clean water to drink, and a safe place to live. Haiti is a bleak place for children. One-fifth of all Haitian children suffer from malnutrition, and 67 of every 1,000 children die before reaching their fifth birthday. Life expectancy is a mere 61.6 years for men and 66.8 years for women. Clean water for drinking, cooking, and bathing is in short supply, which continues to fuel the spread of various waterborne diseases. With so many families focused merely on survival, many Haitian children never get the chance to receive even a basic education. Haiti’s literacy rate is a dismal 60.7 percent.

Paintings provided by Haitian Art Distributors