Lewinale Havette
Lewinale Havette is an artist based in Atlanta, Georgia, United States.
Lewinale Havette is one of ArtConnect’s Artists to Watch '21
Stories of Lewinale Havette's maternal grandmother in the Liberian village of her childhood were the first glimpse she was offered of life’s overflowing Magic. She then recognized Magic in her metamorphosis from a young girl living under a system of rigid orthodox, patriarchal ideas to the woman she is today — free and with an inclusive perspective of the world.
Today’s Magic is in her studio. She converts memories, visions, and dreams into artwork that unites photographs, drawings, paint, and color — and this requires a touch of the supernatural.Her artwork debunks the historical power structure systems that once surrounded her, shedding light on who she was, whom she became, and whom she is becoming.
Jessica Bennett
Curator
“These works by Lewinale Havette are breathtaking and yet somewhat haunting. There is a fascinating conversation between one's traditional upbringing and how this changes and develops, especially for women. Growing up facing power structures and patriarchal ideas and shedding these views; now honoring the woman you have become and to quote the artist herself 'free and with an inclusive perspective of the world'. In particular, Call Me Master is a true celebration of Liberian women sharing their magic under the evening moon.”
ArtConnect asked the winning artists to share with us a glimpse into their creative life to get a sense of their personal inspiration and artistic process.
How did you get started as an artist?
Artmaking has always been an integral part of my existence. My journey began on my parents' freshly painted living room walls in Abidjan.
How would you describe your artistic approach?
My work expresses, dissects, and confronts ideas, beliefs, and experiences. It speaks to universal and personal truths. It is an examination and interrogation of the present, and it revisits the past and conjures my future.
Lewinale Havette’s studio
And how about what inspires you?
The desire to share stories and experiences of African womanhood.
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an artist?
Maintaining the necessary patience to run my art practice as a business.
Lewinale Havette working at her studio
Describe a typical day in the studio/wherever you make your work.
Time holds no weight as I create in my studio. My studio is my sanctuary, my therapy, and my confessional.
Is there a medium, a process, or a technique that you haven't used in your work yet but would like to try out?
I want to explore filmmaking as accurate and diverse media representation is crucial and still rare.
Emma Enderby
Curator
“Lewinale Havette’s paintings are steeped in magic – familial magic, dreamlike and supernatural. Using photographs, acrylic, inks, and oils to craft her beautiful, richly colored paintings, the works draw from her Liberian heritage and the transition she made to the United States, forming a distinctly diasporic perspective.”
What are you currently working on? Or an upcoming project you want to mention?
I am currently a part of an ongoing exhibition at Alan Avery Art Company. The exhibition runs through February 5th, 2022.
How does it feel to be selected as an ArtConnect Artist to Watch?
I feel my work is appreciated. Thank you.
See more of Lewinale’s work
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