Meet Annick Duvivier Ligonde

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Annick Duvivier Ligonde a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Annick, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
Being the only one in the room as a “Haitian woman artist” has taught me to embrace my identity, be confident and take space, show up professionally and authenticity. I have represented my country Haiti many times in Museums, International Art Fairs as the only Haitian woman artist. It’s scary and exciting at the same time when my paintings are hanging next to international master artist. Building meaningful relationships with people in my field helped me to create a network. Seeking mentorship and continuous learning contribute to my professional growth:
The past 12 months, I have completed a business course, mastering Ai for your business, finances 101, Marketing …
Celebrating each milestone in my career, I focus on my strengths and accomplishments, contributing positively to my culture, building community and being adaptable to change.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am Annick Duvivier, a Haitian-born, Miami-based artist renowned for my captivating mixed media paintings. My artistic journey encompasses diverse themes, with a particular focus on nature awareness and the celebration of femininity. My artwork has gained international recognition, showcased at prestigious venues such as the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago (2022), the Yellowstone Museum of Art in Montana (2021), and the Kimpton Epic Hotel Art residency for a solo show (2022), including a year-long solo exhibition at the Hilton Blue Lagoon (2023-2024). Notably, my pieces adorn the Public Art collection of Miami International Airport (2020), the City of Tamarac Public Art (2023), and the private collection of Jon Landau, the co-producer of Avatar (2011), among others. I collaborated with prime store chains like Macy’s, Bloomingdales, and West Elm to create custom artwork for their main window display during Art Basel, Fashion Week, and Black History Month. I continue to exhibit my artwork nationally and Internationally, including for Art Basel 2023 at Afrikin Art fair among master artists.

My artistic journey began with a Fine Arts degree from Altos de Chavon in the Dominican Republic in 2008 (affiliated with Parsons in New York). I further honed my skills, graduating with a BFA in Visual Arts from Miami International University of Art & Design in 2019.

Beyond the canvas, I am an advocate for the Haitian Kreyol language. I illustrated two bilingual storybooks during the Nabu Fellowship for illustrators of Haitian Heritage, available for free on the Nabu App. In collaboration with ICU BABY, I contributed Kreyol translations and videos for parents in NICUs across Florida. My dedication to art persisted during my 112-day NICU stay, resulting in a self-portrait with Baby that won the Art of Breastfeeding award and was acquired by the Hospital University HEALTH Women and Children Hospital in San Antonio, Texas in 2023.

In 2023, I was honored with the Haitian Culture Keeper marking a significant milestone in my journey. When not immersed in my art, you’ll find me cherishing moments with my family or tending to my garden and cherished orchid collection. My commitment to creativity and advocacy continues to propel me to new heights.

New Projects: Learn how to exhibit your Artwork with artist Annick Duvivier
I will be launching an online on-demand course for artists to learn how to exhibit their artwork and navigating the application process for art calls. Having done it many times successfully I can provide invaluable guidance and support.

“Art Exhibition 101: Crafting, Applying, and Mastering – A Step-by-Step Guide to Successfully Exhibiting your artwork”
This course is designed to empower artists with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully exhibit their artwork.
The course’s focus on answering key questions such as where to find art calls, reviewing different platforms, and understanding application criteria will provide practical insights for artists looking to showcase their work. Covering essential aspects like creating a cohesive body of work, crafting a compelling bio and statement, and practical logistics such as packaging, shipping, and hanging hardware, ensures a comprehensive learning experience.
Exhibiting artwork is important for artist because it contributes in building a strong exhibition history to increase credibility and visibility within the art community. It not only validates their skills and creativity but also opens doors to further opportunities, including collaborations, sales, and potential representation.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The most impactful skills in my journey were: Business Acumen, get comfortable public speaking, storytelling and bonus one continuous learning.

1. Business Acumen: In my artistic journey, the day I understood I was not just a painter but “a business” changed my whole perception on my artistic career. The steps to move forward became clear, a business needs marketing, a point of sales, inventory, social media presences…creating artwork is essential but not the only part of being artist. My advice for those starting their journey is to prioritize learning the business side of art early on. Enroll in business classes tailored to the arts, attend workshops, and seek mentorship to develop a solid foundation in financial and strategic aspects. This knowledge will empower artists to make informed decisions, establish their brand, and sustain a successful art business.

2. Effective Communication and Public Speaking:
Being able to articulate my artistic vision and connect with audiences has significantly influenced my career. Early on, I recognized the value of effective communication and public speaking in promoting my artwork. My advice is to get comfortable expressing your ideas in various settings. Join public speaking clubs, practice presenting your work to peers, and seek opportunities to speak at events. Clear communication enhances your ability to share the stories behind your art, fostering deeper connections with viewers and potential buyers. First interview question they ask an artist, who are you? what do you do? Practice that over and over.

3. Storytelling Skills:
Storytelling has been a game-changer in conveying the narratives behind my artwork. Developing the skill of storytelling adds depth and resonance to your creations. To enhance this ability, take storytelling classes or workshops that focus on crafting compelling narratives. Practice integrating storytelling into your artist statements, social media posts, and interactions. Effective storytelling captivates your audience and provides a meaningful context for your art, making it more memorable and engaging.

Here is a bonus one
4.Continuous learning:
Visit galleries and museums to stay informed about art market trends, industry news.Attend workshops, conferences, and educational events to enhance your skills and knowledge about evolving technologies.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I am actively seeking collaboration with eco-friendly brands to synergize the power of art and sustainability in promoting the protection of nature. With a deep commitment to raising awareness about environmental conservation, my artwork serves as a visual narrative that aligns seamlessly with the values of eco-conscious brands. If you represent or know of a brand passionate about nature protection and sustainability, I invite you to connect with me. Together, we can weave a powerful narrative that not only showcases artistic expression but also advocates for the crucial cause of preserving our planet. Let’s collaborate to make a positive impact and inspire change through the fusion of art and environmental consciousness. Feel free to reach out, and let’s embark on this journey together.

I am eager to collaborate with interior designers to create custom artwork tailored to enhance and elevate their client spaces. With a keen understanding of the symbiotic relationship between art and interior design, I am committed to creating large scale pieces that seamlessly integrate with the aesthetic of each unique project. If you are an interior designer looking for custom artwork to complement your designs and add a distinctive touch to your clients’ spaces, I would love to connect. As a committed artist, I value and respect deadlines. Together, we can bring a harmonious blend of art and design to create captivating and personalized environments. Let’s collaborate to transform spaces into visually stunning and emotionally resonant works of art. let’s embark on this collaborative artistic venture.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
JM Ligonde

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