It is believed that the use of Haint Blue and any type of written word, can be used to ward off evil spirits. Haint Blue is prevalent in New Orleans. It is used on the roofs of porches and front doors. Haint Blue confuses the spirits, making them believe they are near water or the sky.
The newspaper forces the evil spirits to read all words before they can do harm. There are stories of people using newspapers as insulation or simply pasted to the walls. I saw this a lot growing up and never really understood their purpose. When I was asked to join the Bartlett Project, the word “Ghost Town” was used often. It confused me as I saw a small town that had its own life. I researched extensively and only found minor nods historically to the Black community. This struck a chord with me and tied back into my not knowing why we performed certain rituals, cooked certain foods, or much of my cultural history in New Orleans. Black history is mostly an oral tradition. When we leave we take our stories and histories with us. The other sad truth to this is we are mostly erased and forgotten by the majority.
This piece is a blend of my offering of protection to the Black community in Bartlett and to highlight their history. While this is not all or the end, it’s important to honor those alive and gone.
The original form of this piece was destroyed due to the carelessness of those entrusted to protect the work. The smaller collage works are still mighty in their protection. They made it through the destruction and still highlight the beauty and perseverance that defines the Black community in Bartlett, Texas. This portfolio is also living as I am currently working with the community to include new families in this collection.
Seeing Ghosts, 2021
Canvas, newspaper, nylon, polyester, wire, thread, Arches Cold Pressed Paper, Ferro Prussiate, Birchwood, and Acrylic Paint