The meaning of home is something that has many meanings and interpretations across people and cultures. Home can be defined as a physical place or a feeling. An art exhibition located in East Harlem is reimagining the concept of “home” through a Haitian-centered lens.
Byenvini–which translates to welcome in Haitian kréyol– is an exhibition located at the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute on 125th Street in Harlem, New York. Showcased by the Brooklyn-based, Haitian American art curator, Yvena Despagne, the installation is a contribution to the CCCADI’s 2024 theme of “Lakay se Lakay” (which translates to home is home), where the mission is to celebrate the legacy of Haiti and “…create opportunities to build bridges across AfroFuture visions that are cradled through our stories, performances, discussions and an exhibition”, as stated on their website. They also believe that “By weaving the concept of Lakay se Lakay (Home is Home) into our programs, CCCADI makes a call to the shared heritage of the broader African Diaspora — especially in the western hemisphere to see Haiti as Our Black Nation and a freedom home for people of African descent.”
The 11 emerging artists featured; Nico Brierre Aziz, Steven Baboun, Daveed Baptiste, Tasha Dougé, Laurena Finéus, Tania L. Balan-Gaubert, Madjeen Isaac, Fabiola Jean-Louis, Riva Nyri Precil, Natacha Thys, and the OYASOUND Project incorporated their experiences as Haitians across the Diaspora to depict their definitions of “Lakay se Lakay” and what it means to them. The display includes sculptures, paintings, photographs, video projections, and an assortment of “objects d’arts” that represent common furniture found in Haitian homes.
Haitian-American MMC student Zoe Mason had the pleasure of seeing the exhibit when she attended a book signing held at the CCCADI on September 5th. Mason says that the exhibit filled her with pride in her Haitian heritage. “Growing up many of my Haitian relatives would often say ‘Lakay se Lakay’, and it always made me feel reassured and safe. To see the feeling of lakay depicted in a visual and authentic way reminded me of the nostalgic, cultural and comfortable feelings that home and my Haitian culture give me.”
The exhibition will be on display until November 24, at the CCCADI on 125th in between Park and Lexington Avenues. For more information, you can check out the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute website here: BYENVENI — CCCADI
