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2025
FANAL: FÈ LIMYÈ
Designed by Fitgi Saint-Louis
At the top of James Baldwin Lawn at St.Nicholas Park in Harlem sits my sculpture Fanal: Fè Limyè. A reminder of the hope within us, a force that has and will continue to shift the world around us.
Designed by Fitgi Saint-Louis, Fanal is a Haitian tradition where colorful paper lanters are created during the holiday season and are hung outside of homes and throughout the neighborhood. Adding glimmer to a season of remembrance, gathering and celebration.
This lantern’s 9-foothigh geometry resembles crafted details of architecture on the island, vibrant quilting blocks and is an extension of Saint-Louis’s abstracted palette. Created with students and staff of Beam Center, this piece self-illuminates using solar power each night at 7:30pm and its warm glow makes a place to reflect.
Fanal: Fè Limyè was installed as part of the Harlem Sculpture Garden, an annual sculpture exhibition in West Harlem led by the West Harlem Art Fund & NY Artists Equity Association. The Harlem Sculpture Gardens is a groundbreaking initiative transforming historical Morningside, St. Nicholas, and Jackie Robinson parks into a vibrant exhibition space. In collaboration with the West Harlem Art Fund and New York Artist Equity Association, we bring sculpture, dance, and sound art to the heart of Harlem, celebrating its rich cultural tapestry.
Fanal: Fè Limyè was made possible by the gracious financial support of The National Endowment for the Arts, The Jacques and Natasha Gelman Foundation, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.
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About the Artist,
Fitgi Saint-Louis
Fitgi Saint-Louis is a multidisciplinary artist, designer and educator whose practice bridges the worlds of cultural storytelling, design and community engagement. With a career rooted in creative innovation and social impact, she brings a distinct voice to contemporary art and design. Based in Harlem she has collaborated with the The Dance Theatre of Harlem, NYC Department of Transportation, NYC Health + Hospitals and the Department of Health on murals, sculptures, and installations that center community and cultural heritage. She has shown work in solo and group exhibitions, participated in local residencies, and consistently collaborates with community organizations.
“A milestone, a moment, I’m so honored to have this beautiful piece in Harlem and celebrate my culture. Fè Limyè means to make light and this piece reflects the inner light we each hold that is amplified through collective action. The power we have to create monumental shifts with a continued hope we all carry.”
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