Alexandra Barbot Art

Alexandra Barbot, attorney and painter living in Miami

“The artistic health of Haiti is doing fine”

Born in Cap-Haitian, the second city of the Haitian republic, Alexandra Barbot attorney at law is mother of a fifteen years old boy (now 16) and a seven years old girl is also a renown painter. She lives since four years in the United States of America, precisely in Miami, one of the greatest cities of the state o f Florida. It is with great pleasure that we are letting you discover the Universe of this artist that is´” Profoundly Haitian.” As she likes to define herself.

How can one be attorney and painter at the same time?

At only one condition: the love and passion for either professions or vocation. ‘Although both are at extremely opposite poles, I have a true passion for both. I practice both with the same love or passion.

What attracted you to law?

Two major reasons. The first one is true love for this profession and the spirit of justice. The second one is to follow a family tradition. As an example, my grandfather, Attorney Pierre Pyrus Agnant, was a well known attorney for his integrity. He was mainly famous for participating to the”Proces" de la consolidation” a corruption process for the administrative corruption of the Haitian government at the beginning of the last century..

How did you come to embrace the painter career?  Who was your first teacher in art?

The reality is that I did not choose painting, but painting chooses me. In fact since my most tender childhood this art form has always haunted me. As a matter of fact my parents never wanted to hear from that. In general back Home this profession does not provide for a living. One day I met a friend who told me about the internationally famous Haitian Painter Roland Dorcely, who was giving art courses in private in his studio. Without hesitating I registered in his studio. I studied under Mr. Dorcely’s private tuition for four years.

Can you tell us a little bit about your artistic career? Where is your art exhibited right now?

I had the good fortune to exhibit in the past in some world renowned art institution. In Germany my first exhibition was at the French institute in Munich. between May and July of 1993. It was organized by the French Consulate in Munich. In France I can name the “Pettit Palais Palais “in Paris and the “Palais des expositions in Avignon. In May of 1995.

For now my paintings are exhibited mainly in Florida. For example last October I exhibited in: “John Martin Restaurant”, a popular and elegant Irish restaurant in Miracle Miles theater and at the Gallery Nader.

Can you tell us about your recent activities?

. In fact last year I participated to a minimum of twelve exhibitions. For example the one I had in Marsh 2005 at the Gallery Nader in Miami. Two months later I organized at the Museum of the same city an art exhibition by the children of “Fanm Dayiti” ( women of Haiti). Right now I am devoted to sculptures of Haitian folk dances like “Yanvalou, affranchise, congo” I occasionally participate to community projects that are school related in the Haitian Diaspora in Florida.

What do you think about the artistic situation in Haiti and in general painting?

Although the country is going through a difficult situation the all-round artistic situation in Haiti is doing fine. In the movie world for example we have assisted the last few years to the release of very good movies with valuable actors and actrices and  valuable producers like Raoul Peck for example. Haitian music is doing well although having produced less in the recent past. Our sculptors are producing remarquable work and our painters. Extraordinary work. In general there is more fear than arm done.

Next to painting do you like other form of art?

I like to give a priority to my favorite art that is painting. But I must admit that I have a weakness for poetry and sculpture. In fact I am working on some “Paper Mache” sculptures. that will be available next year.

How can you define your own style?

My style is an impressionist interpretation of Haitian Paintings, a colored ,happy and joyous painting. I am often inspired by going back to my ancestral African roots, as a mean of better expressing the folklore of my country. Going back to my roots allow me attain my esthetic quest.

What is your favorite Hobby?

I love to read, the works of Jacque Stephen Alexis, Jacques Roumain, Rene Depestre,  Dany Laferriere and Edwidge Danticat. I love to go to the movies with my children. My favorite sport are swimming and jogging.

Do you have a dream for Haitian painting?

One last word…

My last word will be around a Great Haitian of middle eastern origin. One of our great “Mecene”, a great philanthropist. I am talking about Mr. Issa El Saieh. In fact Haitian art in particular– Music and painting – have had a terrible loss Feb. 2^nd 2005 with the death of  Issa. He is the one that introduced on the international scene musicians like Guy Durosier, Joe Trouillot, Ernest Lamy and Raoul Guillaume by bringing -at his own cost-out of Cuba the excellent pianist Bebo Valdes to play in Haiti in his band “the superb orchestra of  Issa El Saieh in 1947. He helped Haitian painters by exhibiting their work all over the world. It is a man of  great heart that helped and encouraged Haitian painters and musicians.  My dream is that other people of this rare specie will emerge to help Haitian art and music overseas. There will certainly be others..

Translated from the interview of The internationally published  Amina Magazine by Journalist and writer Louis Carl Saint Jean.

  For article in original French and cover page see press 1 and 2