Artist Spotlight | Didier Civil
Civil was born in Jacmel, Haiti on February 20, 1973; He studied a classic curriculum at the Christian Brothers school. He began to draw at an early age. Civil is a insightful observer of the Haitian culture and frequently focuses on it's underside, calling attention to the plight of the less fortunate, like street kids and homeless families. He also paints vodou subjects, seeming to favor the Gede family, the spirits of the afterlife.
He mastered his craft long ago but continues to experiment with different styles, sometimes with mixed results but always with integrity. Civil works also in papier-mache, having worked with Lyonel Simonis, a pioneer of the high-art carnival masks for which Jacmel is famous. In 2005, he founded CFAJ, an artist co-op which provides support to painters and mask makers.
Civil paintings are exhibited at various galleries in Jacmel, Haiti and the USA. His work was exhibited: in 1994, Jonathan Demme show, "Island on Fire", in New York; in 2007, at the Monserrat College of Art in Beverly, MA; in Chicago at the "Vodou Riche" show and at the Seattle Central Community College.
Selected Works | Click thumbnail for details
 |
