Rockefeller Cntr. Hosts Phipps Exhibit

Prominent Haitian artist and former Guggenheim fellow Marilene Phipps opened an exhibit of her artwork last Friday at the David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies, drawing in a crowd of approximately 40 people.

The Harvard premiere is the beginning of a nationwide tour. The exhibit, with paintings spread throughout the building and upstairs in a special showing room, will continue until November 11.

Phipps said her purpose is to dispel preconceptions of voodoo, proving that it is a religion that addresses the universality of the human condition.

"These people who may be seen as `savages' are very deep, dignified people who address the same issues all humans do," Phipps said.

The exhibit was fueled by her "love for Haitian culture and the influence of voodoo religion on it," she said.

"Every artist paints her inner world, and this is the world in which I grew up."

Phipps, who spent the past year in Haiti studying culture and religion, presented her art in a short presentation titled "Altars and Shrines in Haiti."

John H. Coatsworth, director of the Center, professor of History and Monroe Gutman Professor of Latin American Affairs, said he thought highly of Phipps.

"This exhibit brings in work by a very talented artist. I think it's vibrant, colorful and interesting. In an interesting way it's linked to her experience of Haitian culture."

It is important to note, Coatsworth added, that people should understand Haiti is a legitimate part of Latin America.

"It [the exhibit] is also a way of saying this is a part of Latin America the Center hasn't forgotten."

While the Phipps opening was well attended, student turnout was low.

"I encourage students to come. This is an opportunity to learn about art, learn about culture, learn about anything," Phipps said.

Alex R. Karam '00 said, "This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about Haitian culture."

In addition to being named a Guggenheim fellow in painting, Phipps also won the Grolier poetry prize in 1993.

She will be reading some of her poetry and showing a slide presentation Wednesday, October 14 at 7:00 at the Center.