Philomé Obin, like his younger brother Sénèque, is one of the creators of the Cap-Haitien school of painting, named for the commune on the north coast of Haiti. With a wide range of themes and a recognisable and influential style of complex narrative compositions, Obin is a chronicler of social dynamics in the public space. His lively Carnival street scenes are often set against contrasting serene cityscapes, as seen in Carnaval (1958), in which a crowd parades in front of the façade of a health centre, its windows closed in sombre silence. In Deux deguisés de Carnaval (1947), a costumed couple stands in the middle of the street, forming an uncanny triangle with an observing male figure in a suit standing in a nearby doorway. Obin is also known for his historical paintings. One of his most famous political scenes represents the crucifixion of Charlemagne Péralte, who fought against the US occupation (1915–1934) – a testament to the importance of self-determination.
This is the first time the work of Philomé Obin is presented at Biennale Arte.
—Rodrigo Moura
