Ateliers des Grands Rue: Haiti's Pioneering Vodou Artists in a Cyberpunk Junkyard
While many of Haiti's artists showcase their work in the upscale galleries of Pétionville, the innovative collective Ateliers des Grands Rue creates extraordinary sculptures and installations in an unexpected urban setting—tucked among mechanics' shops and body workshops along Grand Rue. In this Caribbean junkyard with a cyberpunk vibe, the artists repurpose scrap metal and found objects into captivating Vodou-inspired pieces that delve into themes of spirituality, sexuality, and politics, deeply rooted in everyday Haitian life.
André Eugène, the founder and senior artist, crafts intricate works from wood, plastic, and car parts, vividly depicting the lwa (Vodou spirits). His sculptures feature dolls' heads, human skulls, and the playful, phallic humor of Gédé figures. Jean Hérard Celeur, a formally trained sculptor, contributes massive installations: life-sized statues assembled from twisted wood, car chassis components, hubcaps, old shoes, and nails.
Local children participate through the affiliated Ti Moun Rezistans organization, fostering the next generation of creators.
This vibrant creative hub is near Ciné Lido, just off the main road. Spot the towering Gédé statue crafted from car parts, complete with a prominent spring-loaded feature, marking the entrance. André Eugène's house-museum nearby is encircled by statues, bearing the motto 'E Pluribus Unum' ('from many, one') above the door.
