Product Description
This remarkable one-of-a-kind Haitian metal wall sculpture by artist D C Guemson tells a richly detailed story of family, village life and spiritual tradition in Haiti.
At the center of the scene, a woman holding her child speaks with a Haitian Vodou priest, known as an oungan. Another woman stands nearby with a traditional mortar and pestle. A small home, palm tree, birds, chickens, flowering garden and a brilliant sun complete this intimate portrait of everyday Haitian life.
Measuring approximately 35.5" x 34", this large sculpture was created from the curved side of a repurposed 55-gallon steel oil barrel. Because art materials can be extremely difficult to obtain in Haiti, artists ingeniously transform what is available into extraordinary works of art. Only two sculptures of this scale can be cut from the side of a single barrel.
Every figure and decorative detail was cut, hammered and chiseled entirely by hand. The textured clothing, dimensional house, tree branches, masonry and garden demonstrate an exceptional level of patience and skill.
More than decorative wall art, this is an original narrative work of Haitian folk art that captures the deep connection between family, community, daily work and Haiti’s spiritual traditions.
The sculpture was created from the curved side of a repurposed 55-gallon steel oil barrel. D C Guemson intentionally left the barrel’s original rims along the top and bottom, creating a natural frame and preserving a visible connection to the material’s former life. Because materials can be extremely difficult to obtain in Haiti, artists ingeniously transform what is available into extraordinary works of art. Only two sculptures of this scale can be cut from the side of a single barrel.
