A still life painting by Haitian artist Georges Nader was damaged in the earthquake . Gallery owner Hector Hyppolite wanted to have it -- and 50 of other pieces -- restored . In a troubled land , art serves a vital role as the nation 's memory . `` This is the identity of the Haitian people , '' Alexis said . The Haitian government has been working with the Smithsonian on restoration . ' Saving Smithsonian , ' a show of 50 pieces of Haitian art , opens in the United States on Friday .
A still life painting by Haitian artist Georges Nader was damaged in the earthquake . Gallery owner Hector Hyppolite wanted to have it -- and 50 of other pieces -- restored . In a troubled land , art serves a vital role as the nation 's memory . The Haitian government has been working with the Smithsonian on restoration . 'Saving Smithsonian , ' a show of 50 pieces of Haitian art , opens in the United States on Friday .