Ebony Hicks

In a series entitled “CHÓK,” Peterson Janvier explores his childhood in Haiti through a number of colorful digital paintings. Although they appear vibrant and inviting on the surface, the word “chók” alludes to something deeper. In Haitian Creole, it translates to words such as “shock,” and upon closer look, this meaning shines through. Symbols such as fire and barbed wire directly collide with images of blue skies and neighborhood homes.

Janvier completed this project during his digital studio topics and senior seminar, courses he says gave him a great amount of freedom. “We could choose our subject matter for the semester, and I decided to decipher important moments in my childhood, the good and the bad,” says Janvier. Beyond his work as a digital studio art major, Albright has afforded him the opportunity to work traditionally.

“My creative work includes painting, sculptures, photographs, and graphic design,” says Janvier, “knowing different art procedures helps my creative flow, and working across various mediums positively affects my work.” Like his “CHÓK” series, much of his work is conceptual, often blurring the boundaries between abstract and representational art. “Many of my works explore how different strokes, patterns, lines and shapes combine to show the narratives at hand,” says Janvier.

Reflecting on his time at Albright, Janvier remarks that a lot can happen in just two years, and he sees himself as a completely different person from when he first arrived on campus. “I grew as an artist and saw my artistic style develop further here while staying true to my DNA. Everything changed, and to be able to create more often is a beautiful thing.” After graduation, Janvier plans to work in graphic design, but more importantly, he hopes to continue to create and become the best artist he can be.