FRANCESCA LALANNE

Band of Vices is pleased to present Guardians Of The Dew, a quiet, profound body of work, dubbed painterly-sculptures by Haitian-American, LA-based artist, Francesca Lalanne.

In her Artist Statement, the artist reflects: “I've found myself curious about the spirit of farm workers, unsung heroes of our society. I've thought deeply about the intricate workings of this community, recognizing the vital role each individual plays in sustaining our way of life.

Contemplating the hands that sow seeds and those that serve with zeal, I've pondered how to immortalize their contributions beyond how they are traditionally captured through photographs and film. How can I craft enduring monuments for these tireless souls?

Inspired by Jacques Roumain’s Masters Of The Dew, a tale that highlights the resilience of peasant farmers navigating a world of both enchanting beauty and formidable challenges, Guardians Of The Dew serves as my exploration into the pride of those I hold in high esteem for their vital labor. In this endeavor, I return to the medium of metal, shaping figures caught in the essence of their essential tasks — engaged, yet ever cognizant of their inherent value.

My aim is to transcend the confines of two-dimensional space, infusing my creations with depth and dimensionality. I'm driven to experiment with natural oxidation and patina variations on steel, seeking to delineate both tangible and abstract realms within my work. In the spirit of timeless stone carvings, my intent is for the concept of ancient narratives to imbue this new body of work. 

Francesca Lalanne, Artist

“The story Ms. Lalanne etches into these steel masterpieces are forever, in concept. Hope supersedes the material, to illustrate the power of the future, its audacity to edit history and its narrative; to provide an even more strident context of beyond struggle and resilience. The story of the immigrant is in constant evolution, especially from people who exemplify a willingness to overcome not just socio-political challenges, but to actually celebrate and exalt the global impact of their profound lives. To delve into Ms. Lalanne’s work is to mine it, to do an archaeological dig and to invest in the subtleties of such tenacity, as to wreak a beautiful landscape of not just Haiti’s homeland, but the heart of the very people that define their country. While others seek to conquer and destroy, the Haitian story is one of tenderness, love and compassion.”

Terrell Tilford, Creative Director