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Haitian Diaspora Oral History Collection
Interview with Sophia Lacroix
Coral Gables, Florida, July 25, 2012
Interview ASM0085000024
Interviewed by Kevin Mason
Recorded by Kevin Mason
Outline by Kevin Mason and Xavier Mercado
Length: 42:12 minutes
Interview with Sophia Lacroix, a Haitian-born painter who is based in South Florida. Through her work using the hyperrealism style, Lacroix aims to “transport” the observer to a vision of Haiti that conjures up images of her childhood with nostalgic portraits of everyday Haitians. She describes her style in terms of vibrant colors and uses powerful imagery to depict “the strength and bravery of the Haitian people and the innocence and playfulness of its children.” The City of North Miami recognized her as Artist of the Year in May of 2007, which led to her increased presence in the art world in cities across the country. Her most public work is a 3’ x 3’ mural at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex in Miami, which was completed in February of 2009. This interview covers her current accomplishments and the directions she has taken since becoming an artist, as well as the outside expectations placed on her as a Haitian-American artist.
This interview forms part of the Haitian Diaspora Oral History Collection of the University of Miami Libraries Special Collections.
This oral history expresses the views, memories and opinions of the interviewee. It does not represent the viewpoints of the University of Miami, its officers, agents, employees, or volunteers. The University of Miami makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of any information contained in the interview and expressly disclaims any liability therefor.
Copyright to this interview lies with the University of Miami. It may not be reproduced, retransmitted, published, distributed, or broadcast without the permission of the University of Miami Libraries Special Collections. For information about obtaining copies or to request permission to publish any part of this interview, please contact Special Collections at asc@miami.edu.
Sophia Lacroix 2
July 25, 2012
INTERVIEW OUTLINE
− 00:00:12: Introduction by Sophia Lacroix.
− 00:02:31: I became familiar with your work from the public work at Little Haiti Cultural Center. Can you talk about the mural you did, what it looks like, and the process of painting it?
− 00:04:47: You have received a lot of support from the city. The City of North Miami named you the Artist of the Year. Can you talk about that?
− 00:06:56: Your daughter is the subject of your work, as well…
− 00:09:32: Little girls seem to be a big part of your work. I see that imagery in a few of your works.
− 00:10:29: Beginning of Part 2.
− 00:10:36: We are in Part 2 of the interview, and you were chatting a little bit about how your art has the power to take you back to different places. You said that at the Little Haiti Cultural Center, a newly arrived person from Haiti would see these children playing the games that would transport you back. “Transporting you back” seems to be a big theme in your work.
− 00:13:00: What about, for instance, a Haitian marketplace? Where does that transport you?
− 00:16:18: What if you painted that [marketplace]?
− 00:17:56: That [the marketplace scene] is part of a middle-class Haitian existence that is not really talked about too much. It’s not really depicted too often. A lot of people don’t even know that there is a Haitian middle-class…
− 00:20:29: You moved here in 1984. What did your folks do when they arrived?
− 00:22:59: Initially you went to UF [University of Florida] for undergrad. What did you study there?
− 00:23:58: What was the process for that [attaining a green card to immigrate to the U.S. under the rule of “exceptional talent”]? Sophia Lacroix 3
July 25, 2012
− 00:25:38: Currently, what do you aside from painting?
− 00:27:24: Well you have a degree in pre-med, but not in the arts. Where did you learn to paint then?
− 00:30:37: When did she [the gallery owner Abilene Alexis] feature you in Coconut grove?
− 00:30:57: What do you think people expected of Haitian art then? Your work obviously runs counter to the pre-conceived notions that people have, but what do you think those notions are?
− 00:33:01: So in twenty years, you have definitely seen the progression that people are more accepting to letting the artist do their own interpretation of what Haitian art is and not applying that term, you think.
− 00:33:43: Something you have participated in is the Zora Neale Hurston Festival. Can you talk a little bit about your involvement there? I know she has the book Tell My Horse. She is really interested in Haitian culture. How did you become part of that?
− 00:39:21: I know Nathalie is part of your latest work, but can you talk about some upcoming things that you are working on and maybe what 2012 is looking like?
− 00:41:03: Thank you for coming here and chatting with us. It’s nice to talk about your accomplishments and put them on record. Is there anything you would like to add?
− 00:42:12: End of Interview.
Object Description
Description
| Title | Interview Outline |
| Object ID | asm0085000024 |
| Digital ID | asm0085000024 |
| Full Text | Haitian Diaspora Oral History Collection Interview with Sophia Lacroix Coral Gables, Florida, July 25, 2012 Interview ASM0085000024 Interviewed by Kevin Mason Recorded by Kevin Mason Outline by Kevin Mason and Xavier Mercado Length: 42:12 minutes Interview with Sophia Lacroix, a Haitian-born painter who is based in South Florida. Through her work using the hyperrealism style, Lacroix aims to “transport” the observer to a vision of Haiti that conjures up images of her childhood with nostalgic portraits of everyday Haitians. She describes her style in terms of vibrant colors and uses powerful imagery to depict “the strength and bravery of the Haitian people and the innocence and playfulness of its children.” The City of North Miami recognized her as Artist of the Year in May of 2007, which led to her increased presence in the art world in cities across the country. Her most public work is a 3’ x 3’ mural at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex in Miami, which was completed in February of 2009. This interview covers her current accomplishments and the directions she has taken since becoming an artist, as well as the outside expectations placed on her as a Haitian-American artist. This interview forms part of the Haitian Diaspora Oral History Collection of the University of Miami Libraries Special Collections. This oral history expresses the views, memories and opinions of the interviewee. It does not represent the viewpoints of the University of Miami, its officers, agents, employees, or volunteers. The University of Miami makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of any information contained in the interview and expressly disclaims any liability therefor. Copyright to this interview lies with the University of Miami. It may not be reproduced, retransmitted, published, distributed, or broadcast without the permission of the University of Miami Libraries Special Collections. For information about obtaining copies or to request permission to publish any part of this interview, please contact Special Collections at asc@miami.edu. Sophia Lacroix 2 July 25, 2012 INTERVIEW OUTLINE − 00:00:12: Introduction by Sophia Lacroix. − 00:02:31: I became familiar with your work from the public work at Little Haiti Cultural Center. Can you talk about the mural you did, what it looks like, and the process of painting it? − 00:04:47: You have received a lot of support from the city. The City of North Miami named you the Artist of the Year. Can you talk about that? − 00:06:56: Your daughter is the subject of your work, as well… − 00:09:32: Little girls seem to be a big part of your work. I see that imagery in a few of your works. − 00:10:29: Beginning of Part 2. − 00:10:36: We are in Part 2 of the interview, and you were chatting a little bit about how your art has the power to take you back to different places. You said that at the Little Haiti Cultural Center, a newly arrived person from Haiti would see these children playing the games that would transport you back. “Transporting you back” seems to be a big theme in your work. − 00:13:00: What about, for instance, a Haitian marketplace? Where does that transport you? − 00:16:18: What if you painted that [marketplace]? − 00:17:56: That [the marketplace scene] is part of a middle-class Haitian existence that is not really talked about too much. It’s not really depicted too often. A lot of people don’t even know that there is a Haitian middle-class… − 00:20:29: You moved here in 1984. What did your folks do when they arrived? − 00:22:59: Initially you went to UF [University of Florida] for undergrad. What did you study there? − 00:23:58: What was the process for that [attaining a green card to immigrate to the U.S. under the rule of “exceptional talent”]? Sophia Lacroix 3 July 25, 2012 − 00:25:38: Currently, what do you aside from painting? − 00:27:24: Well you have a degree in pre-med, but not in the arts. Where did you learn to paint then? − 00:30:37: When did she [the gallery owner Abilene Alexis] feature you in Coconut grove? − 00:30:57: What do you think people expected of Haitian art then? Your work obviously runs counter to the pre-conceived notions that people have, but what do you think those notions are? − 00:33:01: So in twenty years, you have definitely seen the progression that people are more accepting to letting the artist do their own interpretation of what Haitian art is and not applying that term, you think. − 00:33:43: Something you have participated in is the Zora Neale Hurston Festival. Can you talk a little bit about your involvement there? I know she has the book Tell My Horse. She is really interested in Haitian culture. How did you become part of that? − 00:39:21: I know Nathalie is part of your latest work, but can you talk about some upcoming things that you are working on and maybe what 2012 is looking like? − 00:41:03: Thank you for coming here and chatting with us. It’s nice to talk about your accomplishments and put them on record. Is there anything you would like to add? − 00:42:12: End of Interview. |
| Type | Text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Archive | asm0085000024.pdf |
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