Murat Briere

Murat Brierre or Murat Briere (1938–1988) was one of Haiti's principal metal sculptors and was known for his recycling of surplus oil drum lids. He was influenced by George Liautaud, but his work acquired its own highly experimental style, often focusing on multi-faceted and conjoined figures, fantastically personified elements, and unborn babies visible within larger creatures.

Early life and career Brierre worked as a brick mason, cabinetmaker, tile setter, and blacksmith. He was born in Mirebalais or Port-au-Prince, Haiti and was the younger of two brothers. It was a laborious process. The oil drum lids were hammered flat, drawn onto, then cut with a razor. The sheet was then cut with a chisel before finishing was completed with a file.

Solo exhibitions 1967 – Haitian Art Gallery, New York

1968 – Centre d'Art, Port-au-Prince, Haiti; Bradley Galleries, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Georgetown Graphics Gallery, Washington D.C.; Menschoff Gallery, Chicago; John Michael Kohler Arts Center, Sheboygan, Wisconsin; Roko Gallery, New York

1974 – Davenport Art Gallery, Iowa

Works of art L'Araignée (The Spider), 1970, iron

Bawon Samdi, 1970, iron

Christ sur la Croix (Christ on the Cross), 1970, iron

Four Sirens, 1966, iron

Ogou, 1970, iron

Le Sagittaire en Démon (Sagittarius and Demon), no date, iron

Visage en Fer (Face in Iron), 1965, iron