“Ink from the barricades”

In response to the civil unrest in Haiti in 2018, Pakadomi created a series of illustrations celebrating Haitian culture using an unconventional art medium. He collected the burnt rubber remains of tires after the riots and combined the carbonized material with mineral oil to produce a unique black ink. Using this ink along with graphite and black watercolor, he illustrated iconic Haitian images on paper. Pakadomi's intention was to transform debris from a challenging period into something uplifting that honors Haitian heritage. By giving new life to the burnt tire fragments in illustrations showcasing beloved aspects of Haitian culture, he aimed to find beauty and artistry in adversity and focus on the positive. The medium itself symbolizes the process of taking hardship and turning it into something that celebrates Haitian pride and resilience.