Lewinale Havette is a Franco-Liberian artist. Born in Liberia, she was displaced from her country by the civil war. Her family then followed her father's spiritual journey as a pastor in many surrounding countries, including Togo, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone, before moving to the United States at age 10. Like many around the world, she is now a part of the African Diaspora.
Her work draws inspiration from her African and religious roots, whilst demonstrating an appreciation for the Baroque styles of 16th and 17th century Europe. As a Franco-Liberian artist, her identity compels her to tell the narrative of two individuals, two cultures and two completely different worlds that have decided to become one. She has received global recognition in 2017 at the Room Gallery in Venice, Italy.
Lewinale's diverse cultural experiences have heavily influenced her work, both past and present. "My goal is to highlight the beauty and growth that is created once these individuals come together. I want to paint not just me, but the realities of people and couples like me. I celebrate the cultures that make us unique, and ultimately bring us together."
Lewinale's first series began as a documentation and personal observation. "Creating self-portraits is a lot like looking in a mirror and seeing not just your body — seeing your spirit and soul as well," she claims. " You need to possess the capability to understand yourself completely, in order to create your best artistic interpretation. As an artist, I am forced to know myself." Through her work, Lewinale is telling the world to take a look at multiculturalism and the alchemy that is often formed through these romantic connections. "I want the public to understand the truths behind our existence and bear witness to the paradigm shift that is currently occurring."
Lewinale's work is currently on display at the Alliance Française d'Atlanta–Midtown.
You can view more of her work at Lewinale.com.
