Books in Brief: The Miracle of Haitian Painting

The Miracle of Haitian Painting, by Selden Rodman (Doubleday, 95 pp., illus., $4.95). Selden Rodman has been a student and promoter of Haitian art since its beginning 30 years ago. His new book on the subject is little more than an abridged updating of his Renaissance in Haiti, but since the latter, published in 1948, has long been out of print, the present book is welcome. It can be used both as a reference (it lists all the most important artists and where their works can be bought) and as an introduction to what, in this writer’s opinion, is the most fascinating primitive art being created anywhere in the world today. Fortunately, Mr. Rodman lays to rest the fears of many observers that Haiti’s artists now or in the near future will be corrupted by their vogue and by the current tourist boom. Some, of course, have succumbed, but many have not, and new talents seem to be emerging from among the younger generation. There are ample illustrations and the color reproductions are surprisingly accurate for a book so reasonably priced.

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Ruth Berenson

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The Miracle of Haitian Painting, by Selden Rodman (Doubleday, 95 pp., illus., $4.95). Selden Rodman has been a student and promoter of Haitian art since its beginning 30 years ago. His new book on the subject is little more than an abridged updating of his Renaissance in Haiti, but since the latter, published in 1948, has long been out of print, the present book is welcome. It can be used both as a reference (it lists all the most important artists and where their works can be bought) and as an introduction to what, in this writer’s opinion, is the most fascinating primitive art being created anywhere in the world today. Fortunately, Mr. Rodman lays to rest the fears of many observers that Haiti’s artists now or in the near future will be corrupted by their vogue and by the current tourist boom. Some, of course, have succumbed, but many have not, and new talents seem to be emerging from among the younger generation. There are ample illustrations and the color reproductions are surprisingly accurate for a book so reasonably priced.