My artistic practice aligns deeply with the themes of Nou Ayiti, as it seeks to explore and reinterpret Black identity through the lens of Afrofuturism and the cultural aesthetics of Haiti.
Kenskòf
VLADIM VILAIN, Kenskòf, 2023, Fine art metallic paper print
Kenskòf represents a moment of lightness and play. It’s inspired by memories of riding horses and donkeys in the cool, misty hills of Kenscoff, just outside Port-au-Prince. As a kid, I was also a little scared in those moments. That mix of thrill and fear—of being drawn to something that felt bigger than me—has always stayed with me. For me, this piece holds all that energy: the curiosity, the tension, the joy, and the restless spirit of those moments.
My artistic practice aligns deeply with the themes of Nou Ayiti, as it seeks to explore and reinterpret Black identity through the lens of Afrofuturism and the cultural aesthetics of Haiti. Photography functions as a method of research—a way to connect with ancestral knowledge and explore liberation through visual language. By creating surreal worlds, I weave together personal realities with the spiritual and historical temporalities of my native culture.
Through the incorporation of Vodou Ayisyen motifs, color palettes, and subject matter, I situate my work within Haiti’s rich tradition of storytelling. This practice not only preserves important narratives but also challenges the stereotypes and taboos that have distorted Haitian folklore across generations. My goal is to offer a modern, alternative perspective—one that invites reflection and discovery through visual storytelling, whether for those deeply familiar with these histories or encountering them for the first time.
Vladim Vilain (b. 1995, Port-Au-Prince, Haiti; lives in Montréal, Québec) was born in Haïti, where he spent most of his early life before relocating to Canada following the earthquake. Currently based in Montréal, his visual arts projects explore questions of identity and culture through the lens of Afro-surrealism. Vladim graduated from the professional photography program at Collège Marsan in 2022. Vladim received a Canada Council for the Arts grant for research and creation (2023-2024). Recent exhibitions include Artch (2023) and Art Urbain Montréal – Mémoire de l’avenir (2024).