Miami-Dade names Haitian artist Edouard Duval-Carrié as new artist-in-residence

MIAMI-DADE — Miami-Dade County is welcoming a new artist-in-residence, tapping Haitian-born artist Edouard Duval-Carrié to bring his Caribbean-inspired works to the county’s public spaces. Announced by Mayor Daniella Levine Cava on Nov. 6 during a celebration marking the 50th anniversary of the Art in Public Places program, Duval-Carrié’s appointment highlights his lasting influence on Miami’s art scene and his dedication to centering Caribbean narratives.

“His [Duval-Carrié] artworks challenge traditional narratives and embrace the rich diversity of the Caribbean and beyond,” Mayor Levine Cava said at the 50th-anniversary celebration, highlighting the impact of Duval-Carrié’s work on the local and global community. 

“Edouard’s contributions, along with all the magnificent works of public art featured in today’s panel, breathe life into our neighborhoods.”

The role of artist-in-residence, previously held by Xavier Cortada an eco-artist, is aimed at bridging cultural understanding and awareness through public art. For Duval-Carrié, it’s an opportunity to further the reach of his art, which interrogates the history and experiences of the Haitian and broader Caribbean community.

“I am delighted to have been part of such a stellar group of artists and am delighted of having been singled out by Mayor Daniella Levine Cava as the new Artist in Residence for the city,” Duval-Carrié wrote on Instagram shortly after the celebration marking 50 years of Art in Public Spaces.

Duval-Carrié has his own personal experience with migration and searching for cultural understanding—a journey that parallels the themes in his work. Born in Port-au-Prince, he fled Haiti during the oppressive regime of François “Papa Doc” Duvalier and lived in various cultural hubs, including Puerto Rico, New York, Montreal, and Paris, before settling in Miami’s Little Haiti neighborhood. 

His art blends elements of Haitian folklore, Caribbean spirituality, and historical critique. As he explained in June to Voyage MIA, these themes stem from his drive to “reconstruct” the histories that have been obscured or erased.

Much of Duval-Carrié’s work embodies a reflective quality, integrating materials like glitter, glass, and resin that create immersive, layered visuals. This approach invites viewers to contemplate the historical and cultural complexities represented in his pieces. 

His renowned 2019 public artwork “Oak Grove Rhapsody,” located at the Father Gerard Jean-Juste Community Center in Miami, is one such example, inviting the public to consider the vibrancy of Haitian and Caribbean identities in a community setting.

Duval-Carrié’s selection highlights a commitment to try and represent cultural diversity in shared public spaces in Miami. Known for exploring the influence of Africa and the Caribbean on the Americas, Duval-Carrié uses his platform to encourage viewers to consider alternative narratives in history. 

“By delving into the history and going through the particulars I realized that a trove of information, stories, and misguided misinterpretations that I felt was my duty to put under light. This carries its benefit and its burden, for if these stories were erased it was because they were very hard to swallow.” Duval-Carrié said.

As artist-in-residence, Duval-Carrié will continue to provide Miami-Dade residents with public art. His works are expected to engage Miami residents and visitors alike.

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