Introduction to Earth Star
The “Earth Star,” known as “Etoile de Terre,” stands as a remarkable sculpture-landscape nestled within the garden of the French Embassy in Haiti, situated in Port-au-Prince. A collaborative effort involving successive developments with engineer Pompidou Dorval and his Haitian teams has brought forth this mesmerizing creation—a living form that subtly emerges within the landscape.
Interplay of Art, Landscape, and Architecture
From the legacy of André Le Nôtre to contemporary times, French landscape architects have endeavored to craft garden architecture with the same meticulous attention as architects devote to buildings. The integration of art into landscapes and architecture has been a longstanding tradition, evident in features like statuary and sculptural boundaries. By choosing to embed the artistic vision into the very soil of the entrance sequence, this project continues the tradition of infusing art into gardens, reflecting a quintessentially French approach characterized by clear, readable compositions and harmonious coexistence among architecture, landscape, and art.
Drawing Inspiration from Haiti
The diverse forms of the Haitian landscape serve as a rich wellspring of inspiration for Earth Star. Geographical features and plant typologies unique to Haiti provide a rich visual vocabulary for the sculpture. The undulating coastlines, intricate patterns of mangrove roots, and the organic shapes of Caribbean Echinoderms serve as foundational elements to be reimagined and reinterpreted by the artistic endeavor. Amidst the abundance of forms found in Haiti, Gilles Brusset, the artist behind Earth Star, focuses on capturing the essence of outlines, surfaces, and edges, often allowing forms to gracefully extend and meander, flourishing into abundant manifestations.
Conclusion
Earth Star, or “Etoile de Terre,” seamlessly integrates art, landscape, and architecture, embodying a symbiotic relationship with its surroundings while drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of the Haitian landscape. As a living testament to the fusion of artistic vision and natural beauty, Earth Star stands as a beacon of creativity and harmony within the vibrant city of Port-au-Prince.
Gabriel Oliveira
