Raphaël Barontini
Le Nouvel Obs

Raphaël Barontini uses his art to telescope eras, geographies, and identities, seeking to reimagine the erased memory of the Caribbean. In an interview with Julien Bordier at the artist’s studio, Barontini discusses his creative process, which challenges traditional historical narratives. Following his impactful exhibition at the Panthéon, he continues his work at the Palais de Tokyo, where his new exhibition will be on view from February 21 to May 11, 2025. This exhibition honors overlooked figures of the Haitian Revolution and the fight against slavery, such as Sanite Belair and Cécile Fatiman, using symbolic counter-narratives often conveyed through collages and mixed media.

 

The exhibition centers on the Battle of Vertières, where Haitian rebels defeated the Napoleonic army in 1803, symbolizing Haiti’s struggle for independence. Through this historical moment, he reflects on the fragile nature of post-slavery nations, particularly exploring the figure of Henri Christophe, Haiti’s first self-proclaimed king, whose ambition and eventual downfall are key themes in the exhibit. Barontini also advocates for creolization, emphasizing the blending of cultures as resistance against colonial narratives. Drawing inspiration from the multicultural nature of Saint-Denis, his hometown, he stresses the importance of staying connected to reality and the diverse energies around him, seeing his studio as a space of active engagement with the world.