In Long Island City exhibit on global issues, Haitian artist Toussaint Rosefort pushes viewers to confront racial injustice

Haitian artist Toussaint Rosefort brings a powerful perspective to “Heat of the Moment,” an art exhibition in Long Island City challenging viewers to consider their roles in addressing global issues. 

The exhibition now on display, curated by Epicenter NYC co-founder Nitin Mukul, assembles the work of nine artists, each offering a take on climate change, social justice, and resilience. Rosefort’s contributions give a vital perspective to the conversation on inequality and collective responsibility with a common theme of Rosefort’s work centered on being black in America.

The Port-au-Prince native is showcasing artwork that dives deeply into the Black experience and touches on environmentalism, revealing poignant narratives about identity and prejudice. In “Window Shopping,” a headless mannequin dressed in formal garb is positioned in an environment that emanates a retail store’s essence. The work is aptly placed beneath a security camera. The piece interrogates preconceived bias among other things, showcasing how Black shoppers can be viewed regardless of appearance or behavior.

In “Fire in the Night I,” Rosefort draws from a recurring childhood nightmare featuring Ku Klux Klan members near his home, capturing the fear and trauma that racial violence imprints on Black lives. Through these works, Rosefort invites viewers to confront both past and present racial injustices.

“Heat of the Moment” will run at the Local NY through November 9, with a special reception on November 6, from 6 to 9 p.m., where attendees can meet Rosefort and other featured artists. Organized by Mukul, the event fosters community dialogue and reflection, engaging visitors in discussions about the urgent need for collective action in confronting climate and social issues.

Epicenter NYC, known for its community-focused journalism and artist support initiatives, regularly highlights local artists like Rosefort. Since its inception, the organization’s artist network has provided financial and professional support to New York City artists, empowering them to continue their craft. 

Rosefort’s participation in “Heat of the Moment” underscores this mission, as his work brings a vital diaspora perspective to global themes.

“Heat of the Moment” also features works by artists Josefina Bahamondes, Dev Benegal, Sanie Bokhari, Greg Kessler, Ram Rahman, Pranav Sood, Anokha Venugopal, and Nitin Mukul. 

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