Featured in the group exhibition The Mother's Roots: An Afrodiasporic Vision, Rotunda Gallery at Clark County Government Center, Las Vegas, Nevada (Winner: Best In Show) (2025)
"Pou Reverans Matriyach La" which translates to "For the reverence of the matriarch" from Haitian Kreyol to English, delves into the reverence bestowed upon the matriarchal figures within Haitian communities, whether they are grandmothers, mothers, cousins, aunties, nieces, or daughters.
Drawing from personal experience, as someone who was raised by their grandmother, mother, and older cousin, and in turn, played a crucial role in raising their own younger siblings, this project showcases the pivotal role that women play in holding families together. Despite the prevailing machismo and sexism entrenched in Caribbean culture, as in many cultures worldwide, women often go unrecognized for their unwavering dedication and tireless efforts within these communities.
At the heart of this endeavor lies Elisabeth Violette, my beloved grandmother, from whom I derived my own name, Jennifer Violette. Through intimate documentation, I sought to capture the essence of my mother, grandmother, cousins, and uncle—all interconnected through the resilient bond forged by our shared matriarch. They are the bedrock upon which our familial unity rests.
This video forms part of a larger project, encompassing portraits captured on both 120mm and 35mm film, alongside digital photographs. As you listen attentively to the audio, you will hear a conversation in Kreyol between myself and my mother. This deliberate inclusion serves to honor our heritage.