The Art - Haiti's Gem

A week ago I visited Musee d'art Nader. A residential art gallery perched atop a hill; nestled between a radio tour and local street market. We honked several times. I suggested it might be closed even though it was a Saturday and only early afternoon. Erdem replied, "no, it's definitely open." They know him well. We call the phone number on the wall. Thirty seconds later the big blue gate opens to an empty parking lot. John  Nader greets us - he's wearing a soccer shirt, shorts and sandals. John is the grown son of Georges Nader, the founder of Nader art galleries throughout Haiti and the Musee. John is kind and truthfully has a daunting task as the son of eight who is seemingly taking over his father's treasure.

I learned that Georges began collecting art nearly 40 years ago. And soon finding that there wasn't a market in Haiti he personally inserted himself into the artist community - building names - encouraging artists - publicizing - exhibiting - and soon creating the market that would bring hundreds of Haitian artists deserving exposure and recognition. To this day Musee Nader stands as the world's most important and exclusive collection of Haitian art - with more than 15,000 pieces. The collection is overwhelming. I walked up spiraling staircases to what I thought to be the main room... yet it continued. One room behind another, and the next. The musee itself stands as an architectural wonder with each inch of wall covered by a Haitian expression. It is where voodoo, impressionism, realism, abstract, and portraiture meet in tall corridors, balconies, on ceilings and in boxes for the viewer to touch and sift through.

Ernst Louzier, 1938. I have fallen in love with his work. The one 2nd from top is of slaves working around a table with just one light source. The other is a full on dance celebration. Both were painted with a knife's edge - which resulted in deep valley's and ridges of chunked paint - yet still precise expression. 

You too can get lost in the important work of Haitian artists at galeriedartnader.com - or come for a visit and I'll take you to the real thing. I promise.