Asefi (enough daughters), Bernard Séjourné

Artwork Overview

1947–1994
Asefi (enough daughters), 1975
Where object was made: Haiti
Material/technique: paint; hardboard
Dimensions:
Canvas/Support (Height x Width x Depth): 104 x 101 cm
Canvas/Support (Height x Width x Depth): 40 15/16 x 39 3/4 in
Frame Dimensions (Height x Width x Depth): 41 x 40 1/4 x 1 1/4 in
Credit line: Mary Lou Vansant Hughes Collection
Accession number: 2011.0323
On display: Michaelis Gallery

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Images

Label texts

Empowerment
Subtly hinting at the connection between Haitian people and the transatlantic slave trade, the elongated neck and facial features of this young Haitian woman are reminiscent of Senegalese women in West Africa. Dressed in white and framed by an arched opening, this figure may represent an impending spiritual journey. In Christianity, white can reference baptism and marriage. Likewise, in the Vodou religion worshippers and initiates wear white during ceremonies to demonstrate peace, humility, and purity.
Empowerment
Subtly hinting at the connection between Haitian people and the transatlantic slave trade, the elongated neck and facial features of this young Haitian woman are reminiscent of Senegalese women in West Africa. Dressed in white and framed by an arched opening, this figure may represent an impending spiritual journey. In Christianity, white can reference baptism and marriage. Likewise, in the Vodou religion worshippers and initiates wear white during ceremonies to demonstrate peace, humility, and purity.
The Ties that Bind: Haiti, the United States, and the Art of Ulrick Jean-Pierre in Comparative Perspective
The elongated neck and facial features of this young Haitian woman are reminiscent of Senegalese women in West Africa, subtly hinting at the connection between Haitian people and the transatlantic slave trade. Her name, Asefi, means “enough daughters” in Haitian Creole. Perhaps she is the last of many daughters in the family, or maybe her name symbolizes the disappointment her family feels after the birth of yet another girl. The arched opening, eloquent geometry, and symmetrical representation of this portrait convey an aesthetic often found in religious works, a connection possibly befitting the young woman portrayed. Her white blouse and headscarf may represent an impending spiritual journey. In Christianity, white is often associated with baptism and marriage; likewise, in the Vodou religion, worshippers and initiates wear white during ceremonies to demonstrate modesty and purity.
The Ties that Bind: Haiti, the United States, and the Art of Ulrick Jean-Pierre in Comparative Perspective
The elongated neck and facial features of this young Haitian woman are reminiscent of Senegalese women in West Africa, subtly hinting at the connection between Haitian people and the transatlantic slave trade. Her name, Asefi, means “enough daughters” in Haitian Creole. Perhaps she is the last of many daughters in the family, or maybe her name symbolizes the disappointment her family feels after the birth of yet another girl. The arched opening, eloquent geometry, and symmetrical representation of this portrait convey an aesthetic often found in religious works, a connection possibly befitting the young woman portrayed. Her white blouse and headscarf may represent an impending spiritual journey. In Christianity, white is often associated with baptism and marriage; likewise, in the Vodou religion, worshippers and initiates wear white during ceremonies to demonstrate modesty and purity.
The Object Speaks
The arched opening, eloquent geometry, and symmetrical representation of this portrait convey an aesthetic often found in religious works, a connection possibly befitting the young woman portrayed. Her elongated neck and facial features are reminiscent of Senegalese women in West Africa. Her name, Asefi, means “enough daughters” in Haitian Creole. Perhaps she is the last of many daughters in the family, or maybe her name symbolizes the disappointment her family feels after the birth of yet another girl. Her white blouse and head scarf may represent an impending spiritual journey, whether social (for instance, marriage) or religious. In Christianity, white is often associated with baptism; likewise, in the Vodou religion, worshippers and initiates wear white during ceremonies to demonstrate modesty and purity.
The Object Speaks
The arched opening, eloquent geometry, and symmetrical representation of this portrait convey an aesthetic often found in religious works, a connection possibly befitting the young woman portrayed. Her elongated neck and facial features are reminiscent of Senegalese women in West Africa. Her name, Asefi, means “enough daughters” in Haitian Creole. Perhaps she is the last of many daughters in the family, or maybe her name symbolizes the disappointment her family feels after the birth of yet another girl. Her white blouse and head scarf may represent an impending spiritual journey, whether social (for instance, marriage) or religious. In Christianity, white is often associated with baptism; likewise, in the Vodou religion, worshippers and initiates wear white during ceremonies to demonstrate modesty and purity.

Exhibitions

Susan Earle, curator
Celka Straughn, curator
Kristina Walker, curator
Angela Watts, curator
2022–2027
Cassandra Mesick Braun, curator
Kate Meyer, curator
Celka Straughn, curator
2016–2021
Kris Ercums, curator
2012–2015
Sean Barker, curator
Amanda Martin-Hamon, curator
2007

Resources

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