The idea was first inspired on January 1st, 2021 - Independence Day in Haiti. I was feeling helpless in a matter so close to my personal journey and the culture that I was born in. I was impelled to surround my subject matter around the chained stigmas of slavery and racism that divides the world still until this day.

In a deep dream like state I envisioned a completely united embrace of a hard racial evolution. But something was missing, I looked through the art history of Haiti and found my entry. The statue that represented the liberation of Haiti and the commemoration of the first liberation of slavery since 1804 was missing one important symbol, “Polarity”. The male figure stood for a symbol of liberation but neglected to include the polarity and truest form of its nature, the feminine.

The statue is regarded as a symbol of black liberation; commemorating in particular, the cry that sparked the Haitian Revolution and the abolishment of slavery.

My interpretation than was set to focus on polarity by bringing light to all the women that have been neglected in the highlight of this revolution. I am bringing vision, enlightenment, notion and oneness to truly say that we are proud of our Goddesses, Ancestors, Mothers and Sisters that have also fought for our freedom.

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

The image is powerful. Two bronzed figures: a woman and a man, kneeling on one knee, with their one leg outstretched. They are bent back with a conch to their lips. Both man and woman have a sword in their other hand, rested by their thigh. It is a statement of oneness, and balance.

I am describing the latest piece created by Gaëtan Veno Joachim, a student of art, born in Haiti and now living in Toronto. It is called Le et La Marron Inconnu, and it will be released this month for Black History Month 2021. The piece is known as “The Unknown Maroon,” and also Neg Moron. It was originally sculptured by the Haitian architect Albert Mangonès, and is regarded as a symbol of black liberation, commemorating the cry that sparked the Haitian liberation, and the abolishment of slavery. His interpretation focuses on polarity, by bringing light to all women who have been forgotten in the Haitian revolution.

As soon as I saw Veno’s work I was drawn to it, and upon speaking with him, I learned why. We had to reschedule a few times, but when I did get him on the phone; it was such a spiritual experience.

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