How did Haitians start making Oil Drum Art
Marleen...@brunel.nl
Dear Haitian history and culture experts,
When I was in Haiti last March I was very much charmed by the oil drum
art (both the painted and black styles). I brought a lot of it back to
Holland. Many people have asked me when and how this art form has
originated. What was the original purpose of these objects? Was it only
for decorative purposes and who did they make it for? Also I was
wondering what the meanings of the symbols used are. Some symbols that
keep coming back:
- the sun and moon (often as face)
- the mermaid
- the life tree
- birds and fishes
Can anybody answer these questions? Thank you very much!
Marleen Timmer
Amsterdam
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Anthony Damas
I am not an expert on Haitian history or culture, however I am going to
attempt to answer your questions.
I also own some of these "oil drum art" which always amaze my friends and
colleagues in the USA. This art form started (to my knowledge) in the mid
70's, but I Cannot tell you how. The Haitian artists are very resourceful
and have a lot of ingenuity. As you probably know, nothing (I mean nothing)
goes to waste in a developping country. The use of the oil drum for an
artistic creation is a good example.
The use of the same symbols is what you would typically find on the island.
I do not believe that it is a representation of anything else.
Enjoy your "oil drum art". I have a tip for you. I use mine outside during
the summer, but I paint them first with an anti rust primer (spray) then
with the actual color (spray paint from a can) I want. They look GREAT!!!
Tex
Marleen...@brunel.nl wrote in article <8696642...@dejanews.com>...
> Dear Haitian history and culture experts,
>
> When I was in Haiti last March I was very much charmed by the oil drum
> art (both the painted and black styles). I brought a lot of it back to
> Holland. Many people have asked me when and how this art form has
> originated. What was the original purpose of these objects? Was it only
> for decorative purposes and who did they make it for? Also I was
> wondering what the meanings of the symbols used are. Some symbols that
> keep coming back:
>