The Sea of Motifs

Artists: Jean-Baptiste Jean-Joseph, Olga Wolniak, Charles Art Jerry school
Curator: Maria Prokesz

Reefs, starfish, swaying plants…. We find ourselves underwater. A glinting mirror, a wide-tooth comb, a plugged-in microphone? They may come as a surprise on the bottom of the sea, but they’re of interest to the Mermaid on the Haitian vodou flag La Sireine Soleil by Jean-Baptiste Jean-Joseph. She is the queen of all waters: calm and stormy, fresh and sea, and the epitome of a woman’s strength. Her props are alleged to be symbols of vanity, but is it not mirrors that make us reflect, look into the depths of ourselves? The mirror, the water, the Mermaid’s tail shimmer, underwater everything becomes blurry.

Inspired by the Mermaid’s mise en scène, Olga Wolniak paints Lasirene. Her artistic practice of transferring motifs from carpets, kilims, tapestries, and rugs initiated three decades ago invariably evokes the painstaking, repetitive work involved in creating handicrafts. The densely laid, short brushstrokes refer to the texture of the textiles and reflect the often monotonous, low-paid and anonymous work. This time, Wolniak draws attention to the craft of Haitian artisans, currently forced to leave their studios and abandon their practice in the face of violence overtaking the country’s capital.

Another important motif in Wolniak’s work is spirituality. As she herself notes: ‘Civilisations from the beginning of humanity, but also young children, do not distinguish between spiritual and material elements of the world. Spirits and souls are present not only in humans, but also animals, plants, stones, mountains, rivers, and the sea. Their presence can be identified in abstract concepts such as words and images.’ Religious motifs (such as the meil, a Torah mantle) appear in her work as symbols not connected to institutions but rather concepts receptive to interpretations and feelings of the viewer. Wolniak now adds to her visual language, which draws from numerous cultures, the underwater life that accompanies the Queen of the Water.

In the exhibition, the Haitian Mermaid is accompanied by Lord Agwe who represents the wealth and uncontrollable power of the ocean, keeps ships afloat, looks after sailors and fishers, and is ultimately ready to protect the island. Another being emerges from the underwater depths: it is Simbi, a magician who bears various nicknames. Two Waters brings together the entire world while referring to the ubiquitous fresh and salt waters; The Aquatic has custody of the life-sustaining water. The artistic interpretations of the spirits’ silhouettes painted on cardboard imitate the conventions and aesthetics found on the decorative vodou flags or paintings sometimes adorning the walls of temples.

Sensationalistic news on political situations frequently overshadows cultural and artistic abundance. The juxtaposition of Olga Wolniak’s paintings with the works of Haitian artists allows for the value and diversity of the artisans’ work to be appreciated and draws attention to the richness of the cultures from which they blossomed.

Organisers: JEDNOSTKA Gallery, Asoto Foundation
Partner: Artesola Gallery