Guadeloupe's Contemporary Art
Scene by Karen Joslin
 Say "Caribbean art," and the most likely
images which come to mind are vibrant tropical scenes and soothing ocean
vistas. But in the case of Guadeloupe's contemporary art scene, you may
be surprised to discover a wealth of originality. While Guadeloupe's
artists do call upon island influences in creating their works, the
results are often far from expected.
Koukara
Meaning
"the Caribbean colors," Koukara began in 1988. Still
Guadeloupe's major art movement today, Koukara emphasizes the unity of
the Caribbean people. Founded by art professors Klodi Cancelier, Lucien
Léogane, and Jacques Lampécinado, its avant-garde aesthetic tends to be
abstract or surreal, often with indigenous touches.
The
most distinctive characteristic of the movement, the Fibressences method
is employed by artists in making mixed media pieces. Fibressences
incorporates natural materials in artworks, such as bits of wood, coconut
fibers, sugar cane, and sand. These elements add an interesting
three-dimensional quality to the work, as well as creating a close
connection to the environment. Paintings in vibrant and deep hues make up
the majority of pieces, but there are some exceptions. Karine Gabon
paints on hanging fabrics and other materials, with an earth-toned color
palette that enhances her primitive motifs; she also creates abstract
sculptures. And Klodi Cancelier's paper series juxtaposed pieces of
handmade papers painted with different colors and symbols.
Since
its birth, the Koukara group has continued to grow. With many of
Guadeloupe's artists taking part in the movement, its style and ideals
will likely remain strong in the coming years.
Other
Contemporary Art
Although
Koukara is the predominant genre, other styles of art are displayed on
Guadeloupe, too. Thierry Bergame's surreal pop art displays a singular
style and sense of humor. On the other hand, Déglas paints scenes with
lighter tones and in a more naturalistic style, though he often includes
fantastic elements like anthropomorphic animals and skeletons. Jean-Marc
Hunt mainly uses objects like tools, pieces of wood, and even a sewing
machine to create his sculptures. And while his paintings share a similar
style with the Koukara group, his subject matter is generally quite
different.
International
acclaim has shone a spotlight on Guadeloupe's contemporary art scene. Its
artists have participated in exhibits throughout the Caribbean, France,
the U.S., Canada, and Costa Rica. In spite of its relatively small size,
this island nation cultivates big talent.
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