Sergine André: A Space to Create : Women's History Month Online Exhibition

GM: Are there any women mentors or figures in your life who have supported or influenced your artistic journey? 

SA:  These are the great female figures of my childhood, in particular, my grandmother, my mother, my aunts, my school teachers, who marked me, through their dedication, their love, their determination -  perhaps without knowing it, or put the label ‘art’ on what I did, who have supported me a lot in their own way - to become the woman I am.  Women were always present around me – in the field, in the clinics, administration, in the fields – they were always a strong presence in my life.

GM: Can you name any women artists who have inspired or influenced your work? How have they impacted your artistic style or subject matter?

SA:  I saw a lot of work by female artists around the world and was lucky enough to be able to travel a lot, especially through my own work. I immerse myself in many echoes, the fight for the right of women to exist, to rescue them from oblivion. I continue to discover many more female artists on all continents, each fighting for recognition and for the right to express themselves, despite the many challenges they each face within their own contexts.

GM: Have you ever collaborated with other women in the art world ? If so, how did their perspectives shape your creative process?

SA: Yes, when I participated in the EKO workshops at Pétion-ville in Port-Au-Prince I collaborated with many female artists.  And later along the pathway of my life, I had plenty of insipiring encounters -  I think above all else, it was more a case of making strong and important friendships.

GM: Are there any specific themes or issues related to womanhood that you explore in your art?

SA:  Not specifically, I touch on themes that are linked to humanity, wandering, exile, tenderness, the afterlife of questions that concern us all – and that includes of course womanhood.

GM: In what ways do you think the art world can better support and amplify the voices of women artists?

To start with, better remuneration and wider distribution. This is certainly not yet the case regarding salary.

GM: Each year Women’s History Month focuses on a different theme- this year women who advocate for diversity, equity & inclusion. Have you encountered any challenges related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the art world? If so, how have you addressed them in your work or daily life?

SA: When I work, I try to take a step back, not to get constantly caught up in these problems of inclusion, equity, diversity, in debates.  Yes, I like to discuss it in a group, or as a family and between friends, this fits into my work as best I can, for example through my ‘cities’ series which deals with living together etc.

GM: What role do you believe artists play in fostering dialogue and understanding around issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion?

SA: Artists and creators have been making things happen since the dawn of time. Women's right to vote, the right to own their body, and most recently the #metoo movement, as long as there are no excesses, no elements of revenge (which I find to be destructive to the greater cause), the fight will continue. The patriarchy has a thick skin, but we are certainly not giving up, and indeed, getting stronger.

GM: Are there any changes you would like to see within the art world to promote greater diversity, equity, and inclusion? 

SA: Of course I would like to see that for us women, that we don't have to have five crappy little jobs to survive... that we have space to create, more recognition, and real sharing and of so-called support from people who say they love art, but more often than not, they don't really end up having much respect for artists.

GM: Any final thoughts you would like to add?

SA: I am passionate about beauty. I am moved by so many works of art- these are emotions that are sometimes difficult to share. I wish that leaders around the world would put more emphasis on access to so much beauty all the way to childhood since this is when the love, the appreciation begins. To avoid ugly cities, ugly interiors, more beauty, beautiful gardens, a world closer to nature to ensure its protection. The mere pleasure of watching a butterfly fluttering by, is a beautiful thing. Too often we forget the simple delights of the beauty that exists all around us.