Haitian

Murat Brierre

Haiti 1938-1988
Christ sur la Croix (Christ on the Cross) 73.0008

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Murat Brièrre's work as a blacksmith, together with his artistic talent, easily supported the creation of iron sculptures. Many of his works deal with religious subject matter, as in his Christ sur la Croix (Christ on the Cross). This piece shows visual and stylistic similarities to sculptures by Georges Liatuad (famed Haitian artist and Brièrre's teacher), and to the work of fellow Haitian artist, Gabriel Bien-Aimé, who also uses numerous heads in his art. The elongated body, as well as the head and legs that have been twisted to unnatural angles communicate Christ's suffering. At the end of each arm are heads or masks, which may represent the ancestors within every living person. These shapes may also be references to the two thieves who were crucified alongside Christ, and a statement about the range of human behavior. The head with the upturned mouth on the right may refer to the thief who repented, in contrast to the head with the down turned mouth on the left that may refer to the thief who did not.

 

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