Atibon
STEVEN BABOUN, Atibon, 2024, Photography, photographed for an upcoming photo-book by Ruth Jean-Marie
Lakay Mwen Se Kote Twal Mòv La Ye
STEVEN BABOUN, Lakay Mwen Se Kote Twal Mòv La Ye, 2024, Photography
OGOU! NOU RIVE! ESKE NOU RIVE
STEVEN BABOUN, OGOU! NOU RIVE! ESKE NOU RIVE, 2024, Photography
Yolen
STEVEN BABOUN, Yolen, 2024, Photography
What happens when you are forced out of your motherland? What does an evolving relationship with home look like? What does a return mean? What does an arrival signify? How do we preserve our culture and the traditions of our homeland while living outside of it?
I am a multidisciplinary artist, known for my textile installations within photography and site-specific activations. Through my work, I create images of my Haitian community, seeing them as monuments that honor Haitian existence, identity, culture, people, and history.
My artistic practice centers on world-making, photographing my subjects as if they were nan rèv—“in a dream,” in Haitian Kreyòl. I see dreams as a way to reimagine who we are and what we can become as Haitian people. My use of fabric, weaving, and techniques of connection pays homage to Haitian Vodou and the different lwa or spirits.
I also collaborate with and create work inspired by the Haitian queer community and other underrepresented groups, such as Haitian Vodou and Haitian Muslim communities. As a queer Haitian with Syrian and Palestinian roots, I explore my multicultural identity through my art.
My interdisciplinary approach spans photography, video, performance, installation, and design. Through these mediums, I explore themes of social life, politics, human rights, culture, history, psychology, and what it means to be Haitian. I aim to deepen understanding of Haitian people and culture while challenging dominant Western narratives.
My practice is a visual representation of the Haiti I dream of—a Nou Ayiti. One where diversity is celebrated, where every sexuality, gender expression, religion, and ethnicity coexist in a society rooted in respect, equality, and love. I envision a Haiti where justice prevails, rights are upheld, and every Haitian is treated with dignity. I am hopeful this dream will become a reality.
Ann ale!
Steven Baboun is an artist, photographer, and creative director from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, based in New York City. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Film and Media Arts and a minor in Education Studies from American University, as well as a Master of Fine Arts in Photography from Parsons School of Design. Baboun works in photography, video, performance, textile + multimedia installation, and design. Currently, Baboun is the founder and creative director of Studio Baboun, a creative house based in Brooklyn, New York. He is the co-founder, CEO, and lead creative of NativRoots Collective, a content production and creative agency. Baboun has exhibited his work at the Bronx Museum, CCCADI, Real Art Ways, Contemporary L, the Haitian American Museum of Chicago, Haiti Cultural Exchange, and PhotoVille, among others. He has also presented his work at institutions such as New York University, Parsons School of Design, and Princeton University, and has facilitated several youth workshops at the Museum of Modern Art.