*Translated from French*
Towards the installation of a bust of Jean Jacques Dessalines in Benin
12/27/23
With the aim of strengthening historical, cultural and spiritual ties between Haiti and Benin, a French-speaking country in West Africa, a sculpted portrait of Jean Jacques Dessalines, founding father of the Haitian Nation will be installed in Benin on January 1, 2024 on the occasion of 220 years of Haitian independence. Borgella Dumond, the sculptor of this bust spoke with the newspaper Le National to tell us about his work sculpted in honor of Emperor James 1st and his presence in Benin during the installation. Interview.
Le National: Can you introduce yourself to the readers of the newspaper Le National?
Borgella Dumond: My name is Borgella Dumond, professional sculptor and former student of visual arts at the National School of Arts (ENARTS) in Haiti. I am the delegate of the BAZ'ARTS cultural association and also CEO of Atelier BD. I am actively involved in the artistic and cultural field. I am currently in Togo.
LN: You created a bust in honor of Jean Jacques Dessalines. How did this project get started ?
BD: The idea of creating a bust in honor of Dessalines was born from the initiative of a group of Haitians living in Benin. These fervent patriots had always nourished the dream of seeing a sculpture by Jean Jacques Dessalines created by a compatriot, notably an ENARTS student. After discovering my skills through my online portfolio and my videos, they called on me to bring this project to fruition.
LN: How long did it take you to create this work?
BD: This sculpture required a month of work to complete.
LN: Can you give us a description of this sculpture?
BD: This work, forged in resin, extends majestically over 34 inches by 24 inches, its weight is 26 kilograms. Tinted with a captivating shade of bronze, it immortalizes the face of Emperor Jean Jacques Dessalines, frozen in an attentive expression, scanning the battlefield with determination.
LN: You will travel to Benin for the installation of this sculpture on January 1, 2024. Tell us about the preparations for the trip and with what feelings do you intend to participate in this ceremony?
BD: On January 1, 2024, I will be in Benin to attend the inauguration of this sculpture imbued with historical symbols. All preparations are already in place, and it is with immense pride that I will stand in the land of my ancestors in Africa. Visiting Africa has always been a dream of mine, and it is an exceptional honor to be the artist who brought this sculpture to life. This project represents the pinnacle of my artistic commitment, symbolizing the deep union between the Haitian people and the Beninese people, as well as with Africa, the land of my ancestors.
LN: Which institutions were involved in this project?
BD: (AHVAB) The Association of Haitians Living in Benin was the institution involved in this project.
LN: What does sculpture represent to you?
BD: The sculpture that I created represents much more than a simple artistic work. For me, she embodies the subtle weaving of history and dreams, merging the heritages of the Haitian and Beninese people. Each sculpted feature carries the weight of an exceptional honor, that of being the artist who gave life to this tangible manifestation of the union between these two nations, and more precisely with Africa. It is a tribute to the resilience, struggle, and determination embodied by Emperor Jean Jacques Dessalines, whose face fixed in an attentive expression symbolizes vigilance in the face of the challenges of the past and present. This sculpture thus becomes a bridge between eras, a palpable link between people and their intertwined histories. Every detail, every curve, and every nuance of this creation are so many verses of visual poetry, an artistic symphony celebrating identity, unity, and the transformative power of art. As I contemplate it, I feel the deep connection with my roots, an emotion that transcends the physical material to rise into the timeless realm of creativity and cultural heritage.
Le National: Have you already created other sculptural works?
Borgella Dumond: Yes, I have already created several sculptural works as part of my project on the greatness of the black race. Among these are a bust of Jacques Stephen Alexis, Patrice Lumumba, Kemi Seba, as well as several other sculptures created as part of artistic contracts. In conclusion and in resonance with my artistic achievements, I would like to express my deep gratitude for the opportunity given to me to share my artistic journey and my projects. I invested the best of myself in this artistic approach. My thanks go to my family, my friends, my supporters, as well as to the newspaper LE NATIONAL which also supported my journey. Art, as a universal language, transcends borders, and it is an honor for me to contribute to this artistic conversation. Thank you very much for your encouragement and for sharing this artistic adventure with me