Myrlande Constant, a talented artist with roots in the fashion industry, showcases her unique embroidery technique in her upcoming solo exhibition titled “The Spiritual World of Haiti.” Constant learned the tambour embroidery technique while working in a wedding dress factory in Port-au-Prince as a teenager. This technique involves using a hook to create chain stitches with beads and sequins on fabric, a skill she has honed over the years.
Constant’s artwork, often referred to as drapo or drapo Vodou, transcends traditional boundaries and elevates the creative labor of Haitian female factory workers to the realm of fine art. Her pieces, renowned since the 1990s, feature a diverse range of materials, colors, textures, and intricate compositions filled with ritualistic symbols and activities.
Haitian Vodou, a religion blending Western, Central African, and Roman Catholic traditions, serves as a significant inspiration for Constant’s work. The religion’s spirits, known as lwa, act as intermediaries between humans and the divine creator, Bondye. Through her art, Constant explores spirituality and tradition, but she chooses to exhibit her work in museums and galleries rather than Vodou temples.
In the context of Haiti’s political and economic instability, Constant’s art becomes a form of resistance. The nation has faced ongoing unrest, with protests, violence, and a humanitarian crisis escalating following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. Constant’s pieces serve as a reflection of this tumultuous environment, drawing attention to the country’s struggles.
One of Constant’s earliest works, “Marinette Bois Chèche,” depicts the martyrdom of Vodou lwa Marinette, who played a significant role in the Haitian Revolution of 1791. The piece symbolizes a pivotal moment in Haiti’s history, capturing the spirit of resistance and freedom from colonial rule.
Constant’s art is characterized by dense beading and large-scale compositions, with her most recent work, “Devosyon Makaya,” spanning ten feet wide and taking three years to create. Describing her process as “painting with beads,” Constant transforms fabric and findings into elaborate narratives that pay homage to Haitian customs and traditions.
“The Spiritual World of Haiti” exhibition opens on February 27 in New York City, offering viewers a glimpse into Constant’s vibrant and culturally rich artistic world. Through her intricate beadwork and storytelling, Constant invites audiences to explore the spiritual and historical significance of Haitian culture in a visually captivating way.
