Laurena Finéus

Laurena Finéus (b. 1998, Gatineau, Quebec) is a Haitian-Canadian interdisciplinary artist whose work spans painting, performance, and social practice. She explores Black geographies, maroon ideologies, and migratory patterns, driven by the Haitian migration crisis since the 1980s. Finéus’s art highlights he visual splendor and cultural richness of Haiti, challenging the often dishonest and interventionist portrayals it receives. She blends real and imagined subjects into whimsical landscapes, incorporating Creole, English, and French in her titles to reflect her cultural breadth. Using an intuitive color palette that evolves with her narrative exploration, she connects deeply with her lineage while creating inviting spaces for viewers. Her paintings feature captivating blues, greens, and purples, depicting scenes of communal activities alongside politically and historically charged imagery set within Caribbean landscapes. Inspired by the concept of Marronage as Black geography, she explores alternative spatialities, depicting 'zones of refuge' akin to maroons' territories. Drawing parallels between maroon ancestors and contemporary migrants, she underscores their shared pursuit of freedom and vibrant visions for the future.