NOULA Exhibition in Design District Celebrates Haitian Contributions to the World

By Max Pierre

The Haitian revolution was a defining moment in history and the largest slave revolt since Spartacus’ unsuccessful uprising against the Roman Republic 1900 years earlier. Haiti is a symbol of the first black-led republic and the first independent Caribbean state.

The question I ask is, a symbol for what? I think it’s time we not only ask ourselves that question, I think it’s time we answer it.

One of our goals with NOULA the exhibition as well as NOULA WORLDWIDE the community/movement is that we inspire all children to dream beyond traditional boundaries and to encourage the Haitian Diaspora to continue educating ourselves and our allies about Haitian contributions to the world. We should all understand that the story of Haiti is not just about a slave revolt but a humanitarian revolution.

Whether or not you’re Haitian, as you read these words, please think about your community, your history, your ancestors’ stories, and your heritage. Did they not also face oppression abroad or on home soil in their plight, struggles, and pain?

Staying silent and intolerant to the struggles of others only means they will visit your doorstep at some point. It is in every group’s interest to write their narrative for their community, city, and country and share it with society.

The animus against our African ancestors and Haiti is not isolated to a historical period. We still face intentional and systemic hurdles. But I believe our actions, ideals, and how we carry ourselves can change the narrative that ultimately defines this symbol.

Despite a history plagued with injustice, oppression, poverty, and inequities, the Haitian story can arguably be rewritten by a community that has the power to come together and bring about change. We can start right here.

NOULA is committed to being the change we seek. We believe change can come from a united Haitian diaspora and the support of our fellow humanitarians across the world. We ask you to join us.

Sincerely,

Max Pierre

Title: NOULA

Haitian Heritage Month: Group Exhibition

Location:

Miami Design District

Buick Building

NE 2nd Ave

Miami, FL 33137

Date: May 6 – 28, 2022

About the Exhibition

NOULA is an exhibition that challenges the idea of the Haitian experience and existence. This exhibition brings together contemporary Haitian artists from different parts of the world who disrupt and confront the negative notion about Haitian culture, societal standards, and the perceptions of self-identity in relation to imposed narratives.

NOULA addresses historical and contemporary systematic facts while using Haiti as an example and a beacon — a country and society often shielded from these profound historical topics and the significant contributions they have offered throughout history.

These artists address stereotypes that represent biases in their cultural context, impacting generalized misconceptions towards the self and their own country. NOULA broadens our understanding of Haitian heritage by focusing on the influence that contemporary artists from the region have had on arts, historical traditions, and methods.

The overall concept of this exhibition is to challenge society’s view of Haiti and Haitian culture, deconstructing the imposed narratives from external resources by amplifying Haitian’s perspective of who we are and where we come from. Unfortunately, due to the media’s perception, it has consistently shadowed the betterment of Haiti and what the country has done in this world. Therefore, we look to celebrate our significant accomplishments, including a timeline of events, aiming to alter society’s preconceived ideas on Haitian history and celebrate Haiti’s contribution throughout history.

Featured Artists:

About The Curator

⁠Yvena Despagne (b.1984)⁠ is a Haitian-American artist and art curator based in Brooklyn, NY. She focuses on working with emerging to mid-way career artists and highlighting their stories. She aims to encourage and provide opportunities for artists interested in intercultural collaboration and dialogue and to indulge in culture. Yvena is also the Founder and Creative Director for Art x Ayiti, an online platform dedicated to highlighting and uplifting contemporary artists of Haitian descent and the Diaspora.

Yvena is currently an Associate Curator at Established Gallery in Park Slope, Brooklyn. She has curated one of her latest art exhibitions, Peel Off The Surface, a group exhibition in the New York City Meatpacking District. Her most recent projects include curating art for the SHOWTIME television series Flatbush Misdemeanor, The Iconic Project by artist Tanda Francis as an assistant to the artist (presented by The Dean Collection), and curating The Atlantic Avenue Art Walk (1.5-mile art walk) with Arts Gowanus, the non-profit organization in Gowanus, Brooklyn. Yvena has also been featured as a panelist for Black Women In Art: The Noir Perspective, hosted by The Haitian Heritage Museum and sponsored by Sugarcane Magazine.

Yvena continues to curate art exhibitions throughout New York City, where she works and resides.

About Art x Ayiti

Art x Ayiti is a platform dedicated to highlighting and uplifting Contemporary Artists of Haitian descent, the Diaspora, and their allies. Art x Ayiti is committed to providing quality art exhibitions and programming by local and international artists, supporting the development of Haitian art and culture.

About NOULA Worldwide

NOULA WORLDWIDE is a cultural community and platform that unites the Haitian diaspora and allies through art, fashion, music, film, food, and most importantly, the passion for bringing about change.

Programming Schedule

Date: Friday, May 20, 2022

Time: 6pm – 9pm

What: Artist Discussion

Who: Edouard Duval-Carrié + Jacek Kolasiński

Moderator: M. Stephanie Chancy

Date: Saturday, May 21, 2022

Time: 6pm – 9pm

What: Film Screening

Title: The Fight for Haiti’s Diaspora

Who: Jerry Tardieu + Film Director Robinson Vil

Date: Sunday, May 22, 2022