PHOTO PROJECT II

New York-based Haitian creatives joined forces for a project that embodies passion and pride. MelissaBStudios and Studio Baboun collaborated to bring Un Sentiment ‘LAKAY' to life, a project focusing on movement and set design installation through photography. The concept took four months of planning, culminating in an execution that captures the essence of "a feeling of home," a sentiment cherished by many Haitian creatives living outside Haiti.

This fusion not only revitalizes the traditional art form but also serves as a platform to celebrate and showcase Haitian culture. By incorporating elements such as spoken words, set design and choreography inspired by Haiti, this project becomes a vibrant reflection of the country's rich heritage. This innovative approach not only creates visually captivating experiences but also deepens the connection between art, culture, and audience. Through this synthesis of different art forms, a new narrative emerges, one that resonates with modern audiences while honoring tradition.

Un Sentiment “LAKAY”

Haïti réveille-toi tes artistes n’ont pas échoué

Ils sont contre la gratuité du sang versé

Ils te gardent vivant dans leur créativité

Ils te donnent une bouffée d’oxygène dans leurs œuvres internationalement réputées

La culture haïtienne est richement colorée

Bleu et Rouge est notre bicolore

Haïti remet ton blouson et tu fleuriras comme par le passé

Tes artistes s’acharnent à reconquérir ta fierté

La synergie des différentes formes d’art te gardera toujours comme une île enchantée

Où chacun retrouve sa sérénité

Tes artistes n’ont jamais cessé de te valoriser

Haïti mère Patrie, la magie de la danse n’a jamais cessé de nous envoûter

Cette œuvre allégorique provient de l’équation de attributs images

La ballerine et le mouvement des toiles aux couleurs du bicolore et d’autres couleurs sont une représentation de la lutte pour notre identité

Spoken Words by Marie Chantal Baptiste

A “LAKAY” Feeling. Haiti wake up your artists have not failed. They are against the bloodshed. They keep you alive in their creativity. They give you a breath of fresh air in their internationally renowned works. Haitian culture is richly colorful. Blue and Red is our two-tone. Haiti put your jacket back on and you will bloom like in the past. Your artists are desperate to win back your pride. The synergy of different art forms will always keep you like an enchanted island, where everyone finds their serenity. Your artists have never stopped valuing you. Haiti mother country, the magic of dance has never ceased to captivate us. This allegorical work comes from the equation of attributes images. The ballerina and the movement of the fabrics in the colors of the two-tone are a representation of the struggle for our identity.

(English Translation)

Highlighting the Dancer Rasha Guerrier putting on her pointe shoes

Behind the Scene footage by photographer Steven Baboun

About the Creatives

Steven Baboun is an artist, photographer, and creative director from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, based in New York City. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Film and Media Arts and a minor in Education Studies from American University, as well as a Master of Fine Arts in Photography from Parsons School of Design. Baboun works in photography, video, performance, textile + multimedia installation, and design. Currently, Baboun is the founder and creative director of Studio Baboun, a creative house based in Brooklyn, New York.

Mélissa Baptiste is a Haitian Photographer and Creator based in New York. Owner of MelissaBStudios, a company that focuses on elements of visual arts such as photography, creative direction, videography, designs, graphics, and educational creative business content. MelissaBStudios is known for capturing the essence of individuals in beautiful portraits that conveys the person's individuality and emotions.