Emerging from West-African tradition, Vodou is thought to be a religious belief for around ninety percent of Haitian population. Originally referring to only a small set of rituals performed in the region, it has come to signify Haitian religious practice as a whole and spread to other regions that were exposed to Caribbean culture. With its rich mythology, elaborate rituals and lavish paraphernalia, it is not surprising that Vodou has been a source of much inspiration in Haitian art that has intrigued the Surrealists like André Breton, Maya Deren and Michel Leiris. This fall and early winter, Nottingham Contemporary dedicates a large-scale exhibition to the art inspired by Vodou. Showcasing around two hundred artworks, “Kafou: Haiti, Art and Vodou” will primarily focus on artists whose economic background allowed for little exposure to the mainstream art world, thus leaving their practice outside of general recognition. The exhibition highlights art produced in the period from 1940s until present day and will draw on the relationship that tradition—both religious and artistic—has had with historical, political and economic conditions in Haiti. Among the ninety artists featured there are key figures from the Haitian Renaissance, including Hyppolite, Rigaud Benoit, Wilson Bigaud, Castera Bazille, Préfète Duffaut, and Philomé Obin and Seneque Obin. (Aliina Astrova)

Until January 6th, 2013