Eavesdropping on Souls and the educational materials which support it, is of extraordinary educational value not only to the visual arts and to Haitian history but to US history as well. For example, one of the most important periods in African American history is the Harlem Renaissance with its emphasis on the arts of Black people including those of Haitian descent. In 1925, Alain Locke articulated the idea of the “New Negro” and admonished black artists in the United States to reclaim their legacy and embrace “the uniquely creative possibilities of their own natural racial heritage.” Aaron Douglas was an African American painter…

Haitian Art Old Schools versus New Trends By Fred Thomas Painting by Philome Obin Haitian art, in its diversity and originality, presents a colorful and multifaceted panorama of the Haitian culture, the country enchanting tropical landscapes and mystery as well, its aspirations toward perfection, universality, idealism, and the sublime.  We deliberately limit our writing to the prevailing art styles and movements: The Primitive Painters and “The Moderns”.  We stress, furthermore, the characteristics and contributions of both sides as far as objectives, styles and techniques are concerned.  Our aim is to show that the so called Haitian art is not the offspring of one group…