2010 Earthquake in Haiti
In this collage I wanted to incorporate elements from what I learned about the earthquake in Haiti, as well as my associations to the culture, Haitian people I have known as well as the trauma. Some time after the quake in 2010, I heard a radio piece about post-quake Haiti on “This American Life” that referenced the story of a 3 month old infant who was found after days in the rubble cradled in her dead mothers arms. The doctors suspected she survived by nursing. I have thought of that story often and to this day, the image haunts me, so it was important to include her in the piece. Also referenced are mountains of rubble and bodies, and the tent city, images of great turmoil easily found while researching the earthquake in Haiti. My research of the Haitian culture characterized a community with strong bonds, emphasis on family, and religion. Also presented was a country with a long history of poverty, government instability, and trauma. I wanted to depict a sense of chaos I associate with those societal elements. It was also import to me to honor the strengths of the people by showing their devotion to family, faith and community with an image of Haitian people forming a line to dig earthquake victims out of the rubble as well as a prominently placed cross. The eye is also a reference to the patriarchal structure of Haitian society in addition to acting as a symbol of trauma. The graffiti words”Nous La” are a common expression in the culture which translates to “we’re here.”
In response to A. W.’s reflections, student E. C. wrote:
As I heard you share the devastation that took place in Haiti during the 2010 earthquake, I tried to place myself in their shoes. The sadness, the loss, the confusion of what will be done next, and the faith that despite all of the devastation, they are alive and will be okay. I cannot imagine living in a location that is considered the poorest country in the western hemisphere with extremely corrupt government and have such a destructive earthquake take away the very little property had. It is amazing that the survivors turn to their religion, as a means to survive and have hope and faith that life will get better. What struck me the most was that women and children were getting raped after such chaos. I do not understand how someone can take advantage of people after such a horrific incident where their homes and family were lost and they are left to fend for themselves. Your art reflection piece perfectly depicted how religion helped these individuals survive the trauma, the devastation, and the loss. Despite everything that these individuals saw, they were still able to push forward and use their religion as well as community to push forward.
In response to A. W.’s reflections, student N. A. wrote:
A.C., I could feel how passionate you were about your presentation. Hearing your voice soften as you spoke about the baby in the ruble of the earthquake really warmed my heart. I felt as though now you felt closer to the trauma that you presented on. Your presentation came with many devastating facts, and although it was hard to hear, it was very informative.
Your art piece was very beautiful as well. The eye above the ruble was seen so differently by most of the cohort, and I quiet enjoyed the conversation around it. I personally saw it as the eye of God, but I loved how you tied it back to a client you once had. It showed me how much the people we meet can affect the things that happen to us today. Your art piece seemed to be very well thought out, and it was executed beautifully.
In response to A. W.’s reflections, student T. S. wrote:
Compassion and empathy were also present during the presentation of the Haiti earthquake with the art imagery that had an eye watching over it. In my opinion, the image of the eye symbolized an “evil eye” which in my own middle eastern culture has a connotation attached to it of keeping evil spirits away. However upon further discussion, I also shared the opinion that the image of the eye could represent the Haitian government that did not provide resources or aid to its people during the natural disaster resulting in the losses of many lives. The chaotic imagery in the pictures captured the aftermath of a natural disaster which leaves a lingering residue of physical and emotional chaos which I felt natural empathy towards almost immediately.
In response to A. W.’s reflections, student V. P. wrote:
When A.W. presented on the Haiti Earthquake, I felt that her emotion was so much more empathic and meaningful; it created an entirely different feeling in the room. Others had shared about natural disasters, such as earthquakes and hurricanes, but Ali’s rendering of the Haiti earthquake was able to let me feel as if I were experiencing the event. She shared some of the practical facts of the tragedy, but also inflicted her own emotions, her own opinions and thoughts into the truth of this trauma. What I felt resonated with me the most about her presentation was when she shared that there had been an infant found alive in the hands of their dead mother. Not only did this give me shivers, just because of the fact alone, but seeing Ali’s intense emotional reaction made me feel the pain of the many other children and parents who were left without their family members. I felt this heaviness in my own heart after hearing Ali speak of the Haiti Earthquake and I am thankful for having learned about such a powerful event.
