Since 1991, Leah Gordon has traveled regularly to Haiti. A few years later, during her first visit to Jacmel, a city on the island’s southwestern coast, she immersed herself in the carnaval and discovered a popular tradition remarkable for its creativity and staging. The inhabitants of Jacmel use paper mache, cardboard and nylon costumes as well as their theatrical talent to reestablish their history. From influential politicians and voodoo rituals to slavery and current events, nothing is off-limits during the parade. The people wander randomly through the street, revolting from behind their masks.
Armed with her Rolleicord, the British photographer returned over the next 16 years, documenting this carnaval that fascinated her so, seeing the same actors every year. The choice of this medium-format camera allowed her to work with long exposures, establishing a relationship with her subject. To complete the work, Gordon let each of them explain their characters, many of them products of the imagination and dreams. These writings are included in the exhibition, allowing the viewer to capture the mysticism in Haitian culture and learn more about the history of the country.
Gordon’s work has been widely exhibited, and she has pursued other projects in Haiti and elsewhere. Based in London, she is also the curator of the exhibition, a filmmaker, and the co-director of the Ghetto Biennale in Port-au-Prince.
EXHIBITION
Kanaval
Leah Gordon
November 6-29
L’EnCRe
Route de Montabo
Cayenne
Guyane
www.rencontresphotographiquesdeguyane.com
BOOK
Kanaval: Vodou, Politics and Revolution on the Streets of Haiti
Leah Gordon
Éd. SOUL JAZZ PUBLISHING
160 pages
29,95 euros
