Kesnel Franklin

Kesnel Franklin (1945-1978) was born in Au Cayes, Haiti. He began painting at an early age and was fascinated with the voodoo religion in his community. His beautifully painted portrayal of the rituals of voodoo gave viewers an intimate view of the religion and its people. His style of painting veered away from the sensational and fantastic and was documentary in his capturing of the grace of Voodoo in his everyday experience. He was also well known for his painting of seaside coastal scenes. He studied at the Academy des Beaux-Arts, in Port-au-Prince, under Geo Remoneau and Petion Savain. Franklin's work gained international recognition during his brief life and was exhibited throughout Haiti and beyond. Otis Thrash Hammonds visited Haiti often and amassed a wonderful collection of Haitian art that speaks to the diversity of styles and subject matter of the culture. (KS)