This autumn Nottingham Contemporary will be presenting the largest UK exhibition devoted to Haitian art for many years. These richly coloured, intricate art works represent an extraordinary, self–taught history that stretches back to the 1940s.

Haitian art is at its most visionary when influenced by Vodou (or voodoo, as it is popularly known in this country) Supernatural spirits, called Invisibles reflect both Haiti’s cultural roots in Africa and the experience of slavery, revolution and the influence of other religions. Haiti is the only nation born of a successful slave revolt.

Meet the charismatic Invisibles through around 80 amazing art works that show Ogou, god of war and symbol of the revolution, Ezili Dantor, the fierce goddess of maternal love, Agoue, admiral of the ocean deep – and Baron Samdi, the god of sex, death and cemetaries. With his top hat, frock coat and shades with one lens missing Baron Samedi has surfaced as the villain in James Bond film Live and Let Die.

Kafou is the crossroads where the spirit realm crosses our mortal paths. Thirty five of the most outstanding artists of the past 70 years are represented through paintings, sculptures and sequin flags drawn from many of the leading private collections in Haiti, the USA, Canada and Europe. The exhibition is a tribute to the rich culture of a country synonymous with poverty and suffering.

Curated by Alex Farquharson, Director Nottingham Contemporary, and Leah Gordon, photographer and Director of the Ghetto Biennial in Port–au–Prince, Haiti.