Bossou - Sacred Bull, Powerful Lwa (Spirit) Haitian Vodou, 1954

At first glance, Préfète Duffaut's depiction of Bossou from 1954 might be mistaken for a Picasso or a Miro. The work is highly abstract, packed with symbolic meaning akin to Surrealism, and executed with acutely exaggerated figuration, flat use of color, and a bold orchestration of design. Yet Duffaut's influence did not come from Art History; it arrived from his dreams and imagination. This is a very original work of art, infused with Voodoo spirit and graphic rhythms that convey the divine feelings of the Lwa. It bears the style of its creator, and it spotlights the brilliance of overlooked artists outside the art canon.
Signed, ,dated and inscribed lower right - Framed size 25.25 x 36.13
Provenance: Dr. Bob Bricston Estate.
Duffaut is in the collection of the MOMA, Brooklyn Museum, NSU Museum, Ft. Lauderdale, Milwaukee Art Museum, Tampa Art Museum, Figge Art Museum, The Woodmere Art Museum, New Orleans Museum of Art, Davenport Museum, University of Miami EMuseum, among others.
Condition: Good/Fair. Scattered, water exposure, masonite has a slight bow, scuffing, marks, surface irregularities, isolated craqueleur, and a pinhole near the signature. The corners are bent and have deteriorated on the support board. Frame is slightly lopsided. Yet despite the condition issues the works presents well and pops out at the viewer

Bossou is
the sacred bull, a powerful Lwa (spirit) in Haitian Vodou, belonging to the Petwo nation of divinities. He is often depicted with three horns representing strength, wildness, and violence, and is associated with fertility, male virility, protection, and as an obstacle breaker. Bossou is considered fierce and formidable, and should not be approached light
Prefete Duffaut ( Haitian, 1923–2012 )