What actually happens when artists openly confess to a spiritual practice? Why is spirituality so maligned \u2013 at least in the Western art world?<\/p>\n
We present a unique program of short films about spirituality as a form of resistance\u2014decolonial, Creole, feminist\u2014based on the paintings of Haitian voodoo priest and artist Andr\u00e9 Pierre in the Museum Ostwall collection.<\/p>\n
One of the most famous filmmakers who professed her belief in voodoo was Maya Deren. In Haiti, Deren connected with the \u201cloas\u201d of voodoo and from then on dedicated herself to this practice in her films and books. Because: you don’t believe in voodoo, you practise it! Deren learned a lot from the voodoo priest Andr\u00e9 Pierre, who in turn discovered painting through the filmmaker.<\/p>\n
The artistic short film programme interweaves painting, film, dance and spirituality in relation to Haitian voodoo and its deep roots in decolonial resistance.<\/p>\n
Short film programme:
\nIn the Mirror of Maya Deren<\/strong>, Martina Kudl\u00e1\u010dek, 2001, AT\/CH\/DE 2001, 103\u2018 (Footage 11 min., kindly provided by Navigator Film)
\nWho was Maya Deren? Austrian director Martina Kudl\u00e1\u010dek succeeds in deciphering one of the most enigmatic figures in film history in her eye-opening documentary in a unique way. Rare interviews with dancer Katherine Dunham and painter Andr\u00e9 Pierre provide insight into the belief system that changed Deren’s life: Haitian voodoo.<\/p>\n