Papa Doc and the Ship of Lost Souls

Donor

The following artwork has been donated by Gladys Kinoian Lujan '56.

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Description

"Papa Doc and the Ship of Lost Souls," 40" x 30", oil on carved Haitian wood frame. Artist: Jacques-Enguerrand Gourgue, (b. 1930 - d. 1996, Port-au-Prince, Haiti.) Gourgue’s imagery is not easily interpreted by those not familiar with Haitian life, folklore, and religion. Juxtaposing familiar objects in a personal new way his works seem to resist rather than invite analysis. His intention is to force the viewer to meet him on the level of the subconscious, giving free rein to emotion and fantasy. While Gourgue’s work can be sad, shocking, haunting, and frightening, it is never happy.

Comments

Bryant Alum Gladys Kinoian Lujan ‘56 lived in Haiti from 1966 to 1969, where she amassed a collection of over 80 pieces of Haitian art. While this painting was untitled by the artist, donor Gladys Kinoian Lujan '56, named the painting "Papa Doc and the Ship of Lost Souls." She commented that the painting was aptly named because it “depicted what life in Haiti was like for so many people who yearned to be free” from François “Papa Doc” Duvalier.

Gladys had a chance to meet the artist Jacques-Enguerrand Gourgue while in Haiti. She recalled that she did get to know him, as well as other artists, at Issa el Saieh’s gallery. Often on her way home from work she would stop there to have coffee, and visit with the artists.