Altar Number 6 Altagracia

Altagracia is an altar I created to reconnect with my roots, my spirituality, and the layered history that shaped me. The work is rooted in my Haitian and voodoo heritage and reflects my personal search for understanding — of my ancestors, of faith, and of how colonial history continues to live within me.

When I began working on Altagracia, I wanted to build a space that feels sacred and alive, a space that honors where I come from. I combined symbols from voodoo spirituality with contemporary materials such as painted wood, digital prints, and sculptural forms. These elements merge the physical and the spiritual, the past and the present.

The name Altagracia carries meanings of protection and grace. It reminds me of the women in my lineage, those who held strength and wisdom even when their voices were erased. Through this altar, I try to give them visibility and presence again.

For me, Altagracia is more than an artwork — it is a personal act of remembrance, healing, and reclamation. I’m proud that it has been acquired by the Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap (OCW) in Den Haag, where it continues to stand as a symbol of resilience and spiritual heritage.