Art cinema : The Centre d'Art hosted the premiere of Arnold Antonin's latest film

On Saturday, February 25, the Centre d’Art screened the film ‘Le kitsch sublime et mélancolique de Lionel St Eloi’ by director Arnold Antonin. This short film explores the life and work of this multi-disciplinary artist.

Le kitsch sublime et mélancolique de Lionel St Eloi is the latest film by renowned director Arnold Antonin. It was made in 2022 with support from the Centre d’Art, which holds an extensive collection of Lionel’s works in its reserves.

This documentary provides a brief overview of the artist’s career, from his beginnings to his transition from painting to sculpture. It sheds light on a previously unknown aspect of Lionel’s artistic talent. In addition to painting, Lionel also plays the guitar and saxophone.

‘Le kitsch sublime et mélancolique de Lionel St Eloi’ also explores the artist’s contribution to the progress of his community, particularly Carrefour-Feuilles. “Lionel is a salvager in every sense of the word. Not only does he salvage debris and waste to turn into works of art, but he also salvages members of society. Many people who once used bladed weapons have become sculptors. Now, they make their living in a different way. The unemployed have become musicians,” says one of his sons in the film, identifying himself as a student who attended Lionel’s school.

For the director, who spoke via videoconference after the film’s screening, it is the least he can do to honor such a talented artist. “No one can see Lionel’s work and remain indifferent. All of his works are wonderful and extraordinary. We could make a film about each one of them, they are so interesting and beautiful,” the director praised, adding that Lionel’s works have even reached the Pope. “I was in a hotel in one of the Caribbean islands and saw one of Lionel’s works on a table,” Antonin recalled.

Arnold Antonin also discussed the challenges he faced while making the film. It wasn’t easy to gather the artist’s works, which are scattered all over the country. “All good films and documentaries require thorough research. I explored several collections. Those at the Art Centre were crucial, especially for the paintings. I found works in the courtyards of the French Embassy in Haiti and in a factory owned by the Ethéard family.”

Arnold Antonin also took the opportunity to announce that the film will soon be screened abroad.