Art flourished in Haiti—the world’s first Black republic—in the mid-1900s. Painters like Hector Hyppolite, Rigaud Benoît, and Philomé Obin were known around the world for their images of Haitian daily life, religious traditions, and history. Their works influenced generations of African American artists. Several, including Lois Mailou Jones and Eldzier Cortor, traveled to and worked in Haiti.

Spirit & Strength is the first chance to see 21 works by Haitian artists recently given to the National Gallery. Get an introduction to Haitian modern art and experience the remarkable creations of some of the most prominent artists in Haiti’s history alongside works by artists building upon their legacy today. Through its art, understand Haiti’s significant yet underrecognized importance in the culture of the African Diaspora.

Organization
Organized by the National Gallery of Art, Washington

Curated by Kanitra Fletcher, associate curator of African American and Afro-Diasporic art, National Gallery of Art, with the assistance of Justin Brown, Samuel H. Kress Predoctoral Fellow at the Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts, National Gallery of Art.