Virginia Museum Receives Major Donation of Haitian Art
# Haitian Art and Its Influence: A Historic Collection’s Gift to the Fralin Museum of Art
For over three decades, Haitian textile artist Myrlande Constant has meticulously stitched the colorful and complex history of Haiti through her beaded Vodou flags. Now, her artistic legacy, along with works from other celebrated Haitian artists, will be preserved and celebrated at the **Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia**. This acquisition is part of a landmark **gift of nearly 100 modern and contemporary Haitian artworks** from collectors John Fox Sullivan and his late wife, Beverly Sullivan.
## The Sullivans’ Contribution to Haitian Art
The Sullivans were **longtime connoisseurs of Haitian art and culture**. As dedicated members of the **Haitian Art Society**, they traveled to the Caribbean nation more than **two dozen times since 1977**, amassing a diverse and historically significant collection. Their commitment to promoting **Haitian visual arts** has led to the donation of several key pieces to prominent institutions. Notably, in **2023**, they contributed **15 paintings** to the **National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC**, which are currently on display in the exhibition *Spirit and Strength: Modern Art from Haiti*.
## Highlights of the Collection
The Sullivans’ **Haitian art collection** includes **paintings, textile works, metalwork, and assemblage pieces** that capture Haiti’s history, traditions, and everyday life. Among the donated works is a rare painting by **Hector Hyppolite**, titled *Fête du Morts* (1946–48), which was once owned by legendary composer **Irving Berlin** and has not previously been displayed in a public setting.
The collection also features works by:
– **Frantz Zéphirin** and **Louisiane Saint Fleurant**, contemporary painters known for their vibrant and symbolic imagery.
– **Philomé Obin**, who chronicled Haitian life in vivid detail, is represented in the collection with a **self-portrait** showcasing his artistic achievements.
– **Sénèque Obin**, Philomé’s brother, enriching the collection with a unique opportunity to compare the artistic styles within the Obin family.
– **Toussaint Jacques Auguste, Rigaud Benoît, and members of Le Centre d’Art**, an influential Haitian artistic collective founded in **1944**.
These works depict a range of subject matter including **Haitian politics, Christian and Vodou traditions, rural farming scenes, market activities, and depictions of daily life**.
## The Exhibition: *Haiti’s Time*
A **selection of more than 20 works** from the Sullivan collection will go on display in a special exhibition titled **Haiti’s Time**. This exhibition is set to open to the public on **August 30, 2024, and will run through January 4, 2026** at the **Fralin Museum of Art**. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore **Haiti’s rich artistic and cultural heritage**, told through the lens of its most renowned painters, sculptors, and textile artists.
## The Sullivan Collection Endowment
In addition to the donated artworks, the **Sullivan family has also established an endowment** to ensure the longevity of the collection. The **Sullivan Collection Endowment for Access and Education** will serve as an invaluable resource, supporting:
– **The preservation and care of the collection**
– **Scholarly research and publications**
– **Educational programs for the public and students**
– **Future exhibitions and collaborations with Haitian artists**
## The Significance of This Gift
This donation is significant not just for the Fralin Museum but for the **larger art world**, as it strengthens the recognition of **Haitian art as an essential part of modern and contemporary global art movements**. Haitian art has long been underrepresented in major museum collections, despite its **historic, social, and cultural depth**.
By acquiring and showcasing these masterpieces, the **University of Virginia** and the Fralin Museum cement their role in **preserving Haiti’s artistic legacy** and promoting a more **inclusive and diverse representation of Caribbean and African diaspora art**.
## Conclusion
The **Sullivan collection gift** to the **Fralin Museum of Art** is a remarkable step toward **elevating Haitian art** on the global stage. Through this exhibition and endowment, Haitian artists will continue to inspire new generations, and their work will be preserved for future study and admiration.
The exhibition **Haiti’s Time** is open from **August 30, 2024, through January 4, 2026**. Whether you are an art lover, historian, or someone fascinated by Caribbean culture, this collection promises to offer **a deep and immersive experience into the vibrant world of Haitian art**.
For those looking to **support and explore more about contemporary