The work of OSKI (Olivier Vilaire) reflects his preoccupation with the political situation in Haiti over the past three years, aggravated by societal events such as the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, and more personal ones such as the murder of a man who reminds him of his father. These reflections tie in with Joséphine Denis’ curatorial practice, addressing cultural trauma and the question of identity.

The figures depicted in OSKI’s (Olivier Vilaire) works evoke ghostly silhouettes wandering through spaces whose colors are both pale and vivid – expressing a tone as festive as it is disquieting. Other, more abstract paintings exude a similar tension that seems to herald a precipitation towards a bursting and potentially delirious release.

In indulging this creative impulse, the artist demonstrates a form of resilience at times characterized by the duality between meditative reflection and bold action, attempting to freeze this moment in time – between concussion and externalization.

Le Livart thanks the Conseil des arts de Montréal and the Canada Council for the Arts for their financial support.

Artist’s portrait here: