Iracoubo

Last week, Jack and I went from Cayenne to Saint Laurent du Maroni, the town furthest west of French Guiana and right on the border with Surinam. We past through the small village of Iracoubo which is quite famous for its church. (Click on photos to enlarge)

The rainbow was an added bonus as we discovered this monument, built in the latter half of the 19th century. Let's push open the main door and take a look inside...

As you enter, your first impression is that of a small, modest church.

However, you need to take a closer look. In fact, this church is also an amazing work of art done by a French convict named Pierre Huguet. Between 1892 and 1898, Huguet painted over 600 m² of surface: ceiling, choir, nave, chapels, and pillars are all richly decorated by his hand.

Today, Iracoubo is one of Guiana's most famous monuments, and a remarkable example of naive art. Although Huguet's paintings appear somewhat childish in their technique, they actually convey emotion to the onlooker in a very powerful, personal way.

Pierre Huguet was still under prison sentence while he painted the church. During that time, he benefited from more comfortable living conditions... and was less closely guarded. Eventually, the temptation for him was too great and he ran away-- only to die in a tragic accident. Yet the angels he painted still remain in Iracoubo, watching over all those who visit this unique church.