Meet Annick Duvivier | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Annick Duvivier and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Annick, how do you think about risk?
As an artist, risk taking is part of your DNA. When you are given the inspiration to create an artwork you have to be available and welcome vulnerability into the process. As you are showcasing your artwork you have to be open to the audience’s interpretation and feedback. And sometimes the simple act of creating is risk-taking as you are experimenting with a different medium or touchy subject. It is important to research and above all, believe in yourself. As a creative, I had to embrace risk-taking, as it is part of the profession, especially when applying to art calls, juried art shows, residencies, and grants… This is how I obtained most of my exhibition prizes and awards. You cannot be scared and live in the “what if’s.” What if it’s not good enough, what if it doesn’t fit in the show, Is the quality there? Does it fit with the theme and parameters of the show? Apply! You never know! I applied for an open call for MIA Galleries in September 2020 and my painting “Outside Influences” was selected out of 253 submitted artworks. My painting is now part of their permanent collection and will be exhibited at Miami International Airport. I am extremely proud of this accomplishment. Was I scared to put myself out there? Yes! Did it stop me from submitting? No. I applied for the Oolite residency it was a negative answer. Was I disappointed? Yes, Will that stop me from applying again next time? No. One of my paintings from the Red nude Collection titled “For the Pleasure of the Eyes” was recently accepted at the Yellowstone Museum in Montana, for an Art Auction in 2021 because I applied!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Haitian-Born, Miami-based, I am a multidisciplinary artist; know for my mixed media paintings. My work is a blend of my memories, my culture, nature, but this year was a trigger to bring light to traumatic events about race. I noticed that there could be a language barrier between people of various backgrounds and cultures. With this new series titled “Dialogue,” it was my attempt to use endangered species, varieties of the monstera plants to showcase the difficulties in communicating. What sets me apart from other artists is my determination and consistency. I have made it an objective to participate in exhibits yearly and showcase the artwork that I continuously create. I have been involved in the arts for about 14 years now, previously in my country Haiti, in the Dominican Republic where I studied, and now in Miami. I have exhibited in 2 solo shows and 30 + group shows including museum group shows. To overcome challenges, I turn inward and transform my problems into artwork. For example, during the pandemic, I created a 60 orchid painting challenge. The orchids were blooming despite quarantine and setbacks. I thought that if each day if I painted a small canvas it would give me a sense of completion. Each day I would only have to think only about the painting of the day. I went back to my garden, another place that gives me a sense of peace. It takes an average of 66 days to build a habit and I saw myself wanting to be more and more in the studio, painting. And that’s how the 60-day orchid challenge was born. Some of the lessons I learned along the way are that I am constantly learning, that I can learn from anyone, and also to trust in my intuition. I want the world to know that I am dedicated to the arts, I work really hard, and they will see my name come up in more and more prestigious shows. They can follow my artistic journey on Instagram @annickduvivier

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Miami has so much to offer and is known for its diversity. I would take them for a tour at Wynwood; visit the walls and art galleries. Another day I would take them to Miami Beach to visit The Miami Beach Architectural District and the art deco hotels and probably end up at the beach and on Lincoln Road for a nice walk and shopping. We could go on a day cruise, or visit the Everglades, Vizcaya, and Deering Estate. And definitely have a meal at the Haitian/Bahamian restaurant Chef Creole, some conch in creole sauce with fried plantains and pikliz (spicy coleslaw), yum! And visit the little Haiti Cultural Complex, as we would not be too far. Finish the week with a little fun salsa dancing at Ball and Chain in Little Havana. I love Miami; and I feel at home here, I can wait for the more “normal” times to come.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have continuously mentioned and thanked these people who have transformed the student into a professional artist, as it takes communities to build an artist…. My husband and family, the professors, and mentors, the collectors, the buyers, supporters and followers, art lovers each of them play an important role in my career. • My family, my parents Reginald and Hansie Duvivier for believing in me, and my husband Jean Marie Etzwald Ligonde who constantly encourages me and supports my crazy ideas. • Ralph Allen Haitian master painter, the first painting class took when I was 12 where I discovered this passion; I loved drawing but he told me that I had painting abilities. He taught me how to mix colors. • Mrs. Janet Rubinson, Everglades High school Art professor who had a deep impact on choosing art as a career. • My professors at Altos de Chavon, la Escuela de Diseño, affiliated with Parson in NY, specifically Raul Miyar, Sasha De Lemos, Marc Lineweaver. Mr. Steven Kaplan el rector, for teaching me how to see, critical thinking and creative problem solving, art mediums, and the proportions of the human body. Also what it means to give your word, and work with deadlines. • Marie Alice Théard art historian, and Dr. Jacques Ravix for teaching me about the business of art and the history and culture of my country Haiti. But also work ethics. • My professors at The Miami International University of Art and Design specifically, the head of Visual Arts, Bryan Hiveley, Judith B. King, Mona Mandall, Rebeca Giling, and Adnan Razack through their positive criticism encouraged and helped me discover my voice. • Ashlee Thomas and Bart Mervil Miami Urban Contemporary Experience, MUCE for giving me the space to exhibit my artwork. • The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, GMCVB for all the opportunities and the membership prize. • My collectors, buyers, followers, I would not be here without your continuous support.

Website: https://www.annickduvivier.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annickduvivier/ @annickduvivier
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annick-duvivier-ligonde-55a319186/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annick.duvivier/

Image Credits
Jean Marie E Ligonde