Fred Thomas 40"x30" Chemiz Madiok (Patchwork Shirt) 2016 Mixed Media on Canvas Painting #5CFT

Fred Thomas painted this original  40"x 30" mixed media on canvas painting. This painting is an abstract patchwork shirt titled "Chemiz Madiok." The artist said: "Chemiz Madiok: In this painting, I try to evoke the similarity of the patchwork with the Haitian madiok.  Madiok involves sewing small pieces of fabric (retay) by hand or using a sewing machine to create flannels, underwear, bed covers, dresses, shirts, tablecloths, etc.  Peasants mainly wore flannels and madiok-made dresses as everyday clothing because a voodoo spirit recommended them as penance or for other reasons.  Ordinary clothing was reserved for church on Saturdays or Sundays, festivities, and even city visits.  I make it a point to remind viewers of these significant customs from the past that have helped make Haitian culture so unique, amazing, and beautiful. Dans cette peinture, je m'efforce d'évoquer la similitude du patchwork avec le madiok haïtien.  Le madiok consiste à coudre à la main ou à l’aide d’une machine