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A new exhibit showcasing the work of artist William Edouard Scott has opened at the Haitian American Museum of Chicago. Titled "Through 'The Dean's' Lens: A Glimpse of 1930s Haitian Life in the Archives of William Edouard Scott," the exhibit is part of a broader initiative by the Chicago Public Library, known as “Magnitude and Bond: Linking and Building Relationships Across Chicago’s Black Visual Art Collections.” This project, in collaboration with the Getty Foundation, aims to enhance access to archival materials related to Black life in Chicago.
William Edouard Scott (1884-1964) was renowned for his WPA-era murals and paintings depicting Biblical and African American historical scenes. He was also among the first artists to portray Haiti's working-class people as serious artistic subjects. During his time in Haiti, Scott explored various regions, capturing everyday life through his art. His work gained recognition in Haiti, where he is considered a pioneer of early folk and popular art movements that highlighted local culture and indigenous art forms.
The exhibit features prints, photographs, and other archival materials from Scott's time in Haiti. It provides insight into Haitian life during the 1930s while acknowledging Scott’s impact on Haitian art history.
Supported by the Getty Foundation’s African American Visual Arts Archives Initiative, "Through 'The Dean's' Lens" will be on display until June 26, 2025. The exhibition can be visited at the Haitian American Museum of Chicago located at 4410 N Clark Street.
