Photo: MoA 2006

Christopher Columbus (Conqueror, 15th century)
Photo: © Sasha Huber

François "Papa Doc" Duvalier (Dictator of Haiti, 1957–71)
Photo: © Sasha Huber

Jean–Claude "Baby Doc" Duvalier (Dictator of Haiti, 1971–86)
Photo: © Sasha Huber

Sasha Huber

Graphic Design and Illustration
1975, Switzerland
Shooting Back – Reflection on Haitian Roots
Infect

My final work investigates Haitian history and my roots. It criticizes individuals who contributed to the historical and social condition of Haiti ranging from the 15th century until the 21st century and who made it what it is today – the poorest country in the Western hemisphere.
The work consists of portraits of conqueror Christopher Columbus, former Haitian dictators François “Papa Doc" Duvalier and Jean–Claude “Baby Doc" Duvalier.
I developed a working method that allows me to visualize and communicate my opinion. All the portraits have been realized through violent act of “shooting back": a process that used a semi–automatic stapling gun and approximately 100,000 staples. All three portraits were executed on abandoned plywood boards picked up in the streets and wastelands of Helsinki.
I experienced the act of “shooting back" concretely and indirectly discovered a way to help and defend the Haitians in a symbolic manner. Each shot represents lost human lives accounted perhaps in their millions.

Supporter: Telko Oy / BeA Finland

Biography

Sasha Huber was born in Zurich and has roots in Haiti. She earned her BA and MA in graphic design at the University of Art and Design in Zurich and Helsinki. In 2000 she received a grant to join Fabrica in Italy. There she initiated projects such as Benetton United People. Since 2001 she has worked independently in Helsinki and Zurich for clients such as: Schauspielhaus Zürich, Smart by Mercedes, Benetton, IPG Independent Performance Group, Toy2R, Kiasma, Art school MAA, Helsinki City Art Festival – Forces of Light, Marimekko, Swiss Airlines, Arabia Art Department Society Finland. Additionally she participates regularly in design and art exhibitions.

Contact:

+358 50 400 5028
sasha(at)sashahuber.com

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Other Masters in this theme:
Marita Makkonen | Sonja Salomäki | Iina Terho | Kati Tuomainen | Salla Viikka