The Sacrifice of the Lamb

André Normil is best known for his detailed and vividly colored panoramic scenes of paradise, Noah's ark, carnival and everyday Haitian life. Normil is ambiguous about his relationship with Voodoo, the African-based religion of Haiti. He says he "still believes in it a little." In fact, Voodoo, is a way of life in Haiti. Its deep regard for the spiritual vitality of nature and events can be felt in the work of many Haitian artists, Normil included.

Sacrifice of the Lamb depicts a story of faith rewarded from the book of Genesis in the Bible. In this painting, nature bears sentient witness to the frailties and strengths of human character. In Sacrifice of the Lamb, a cast of animals looks on as Noah and his family offer prayers and gifts of thanks to God. Even the broken trees have weathered the deluge with life force intact. The embellished circular designs drawn upon the ground and set with candles are vévé, Voodoo markers of ceremonial space.