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Wilson Bigaud (1931-2010) 24"x24" Vodou Ceremony Dance c1970 Original Oil on Board #5-2-95MFN

Wilson Bigaud (1931-2010) 24"x24" Vodou Ceremony Dance c1970 Original Oil on Board #5-2-95MFN

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Description

This compelling 1970 oil on board by renowned Haitian master Wilson Bigaud presents a dynamic Vodou ceremonial scene, richly animated with rhythm, symbolism, and communal energy. At the center, a female devotee dressed in red lifts her arms skyward in a gesture of spiritual invocation, her upward gaze and arched posture suggesting possession or divine connection. Around her, drummers and participants animate the sacred space, their synchronized movements reinforcing the ceremonial pulse of the gathering. The red banner bearing a green heart motif evokes the presence of Erzulie, the lwa associated with love, devotion, and femininity, often symbolized by the heart in Haitian Vodou iconography. The musicians seated in the foreground, striking drums and percussion instruments, anchor the ritual through rhythm—an essential conduit between the physical and spiritual realms. Figures positioned in architectural framing elements create a theatrical yet intimate setting, emphasizing both the communal and sacred nature of the ceremony. Bigaud’s mature style is evident in the sculptural modeling of the figures, warm tonal palette, and expressive body language. His compositions often capture the intersection of daily Haitian life and spiritual practice, portraying Vodou not as spectacle but as an integral and dignified cultural tradition. The balanced spatial structure and fluid figural movement demonstrate his mastery of narrative painting during the late 1960s–1970 period. Wilson Bigaud (1931–2010), a leading figure of modern Haitian art and contributor to the murals of the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Port-au-Prince, is celebrated for his vibrant depictions of folklore, ritual, and community. Works exploring Vodou themes are especially significant within his oeuvre, reflecting both historical authenticity and strong collector demand. It was also featured at Kings Theater alongside Miss Lauryn Hill during the “Diaspora Calling!” event in 2016, adding to its rich history. This painting now belongs to the private collection of Myriam F. Nader. Oil on board, 24 x 24 inches, signed and dated 1970. Provenance: Private Collection. A Certificate of Authenticity issued by Myriam Nader Haitian Art Gallery accompanies the work.

About this artist

Wilson Bigaud is considered one of the great masters of Haitian art. Born in 1931, he began painting under the direction of famous Haitian pioneer Hector Hyppolite when he was only fifteen. A golden light and warm colors characterized his early works. He used to paint wonderful, humorous paintings in the relative solitude of Petit Goave.  Bigaud is represented in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York and in significant art Galleries in Haiti and abroad. He passed away in 2010. Wilson Bigaud "..uses an innate sense of color effects to model various forms. At the end of the 1950s, numerous depressions ruined his style." Peintres Haitiens by Gerald Alexis. Get the Book Now!

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