Haitian

Murat Brierre

Haiti 1938-1988
Untitled (Crucifix) 90.0013

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Murat Brièrre was a well-known sculptor of pieces in metal. Like his teacher, Georges Liautaud, his work as a blacksmith gave him a special understanding of how to work with the medium. Before becoming a sculptor, Brièrre painted in his free time. Fellow painter Rigaud Benoit introduced him to the Centre d'Art in Port-au-Prince in 1966. This image combines vodou and Christian subject matter. In Christianity, Christ on the cross relates to the story of the crucifixion. In vodou, the cross also has significance. It marks the crossroads between the realms of the living and the dead. In Christian imagery, the cock alludes to Peter's betrayal. It is often included in popular chromolithographs of the crucifixion throughout Haiti. The cock can also be seen as a symbol for vodou in general, or as a symbol for Ogou, one of the vodou lwa (spirits). Brièrre is remembered as a painter and sculptor, but not as a printmaker. This linoleum print was probably a study for a later sculpture done in iron.

 

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