Camy Rocher, Camy Rocher began his artistic journey as an assistant framer at Galerie Monnin, where he found inspiration from the paintings he encountered. Encouraged by artist Calixte Henri, who supplied him with brushes and paints, Rocher embarked on his own artistic career. In 1978, he participated in the “Five Vodou Artists” exhibition at the Institut Français in Port-au-Prince. While preparing for a solo show in 1981, he struggled to depict the sea Loa, Agoué, and his consort, La Siren, a challenge he attributed to spiritual discontent. Tragically, while swimming near his home in Carrefour, he disappeared, and his body was later recovered. Rocher’s work, often devoted to Vodou deities, remains a testament to his profound connection to Haitian spirituality and culture.
Robert Saint-Brice, Born in Pétion-Ville, Haiti, in 1898, Robert Saint-Brice pursued a variety of occupations before discovering art in his fifties. Introduced to Dewitt Peters by American artist Alex Johnes in 1949, Saint-Brice quickly gained recognition for his unique style. A devout Vodou priest, his semi-abstract works often portrayed mystical visions inspired by dreams and ancestral messages. Success followed, with his first solo exhibition in New York in 1960 and a prominent purchase by the Flag Tanning Corporation Collection in 1955. Known for his enigmatic use of the number three, Saint-Brice’s paintings defied traditional expectations, earning him acclaim as one of Haiti’s most innovative artists.
Prosper Pierre-Louis, was born in Bainet, Haiti, in 1947. At 16, he moved to Port-au-Prince, where he worked as a barber and waiter before joining the Saint Soleil art movement in 1973. Under the guidance of Maude Robard and Tiga, he developed a distinctive style featuring abstract Vodou themes. His expressive depictions of Loas established him as the most prominent artist of the movement. Pierre-Louis’s work reflects the spiritual and cultural richness of Haiti, blending traditional motifs with an innovative artistic approach that earned him recognition as a leading figure in Haitian art.
Celestin Faustin, Born in Lafond, Haiti, in 1948, Celestin Faustin was deeply influenced by his grandmother, a Vodou practitioner who believed he was blessed by the goddess Erzulie Dantor. He trained briefly with Wilmino Domond but soon developed his haunting, surreal style. His paintings, rich in narrative and emotion, often explore themes of personal anguish and ambivalence toward Vodou beliefs. Celebrated for their poetic and hallucinatory qualities, Faustin’s works captured the imagination of critics, with Ute Stebich praising him as one of Haiti’s most extraordinary artists. He tragically passed away in 1981 at just 33 years old.
Wilmino Domond, born in 1925 in Jacmel, lived a life deeply rooted in his mountain community. Inspired by his cousin Castera Bazile, Domond began painting and went on to influence younger relatives such as Celestin Faustin. Recognized as one of the dominant figures of Haiti’s second-generation painters, his works focus on everyday rural life. Domond’s artistry earned him a place in significant exhibitions, including Ute Stebich’s landmark show at the Brooklyn Museum in 1978. Though retired from painting, his legacy endures as a pillar of Haitian art.
Roudy Azor, Born in Port-au-Prince in 1980, Roudy Azor became a master of the densely beaded Vodou flag technique pioneered by Myrlande Constant. Starting as an apprentice in her studio, he established his own by the age of 18. Azor’s imaginative interpretations of Vodou deities showcase his innovative approach to traditional symbolism. His intricate and vivid designs have redefined the art form, positioning him as a trailblazer in the realm of drapo Vodou.
Seymour Etienne Bottex, Born in Port-Margot on Christmas Day, 1920, Seymour Etienne Bottex began painting in 1955, inspired by his brother Jean-Baptiste. Joining the Centre d’Art in 1961, he gained recognition for his unique blend of biblical themes, historical events, and Haitian life. His unmistakable style, characterized by vibrant colors and elongated figures reminiscent of Modigliani, has been featured in international exhibitions and prestigious auctions, solidifying his reputation as one of the “Old Masters” of Haitian painting.
Louverture Poisson, born in Les Cayes in 1914, moved to Port-au-Prince in 1942 to work as an airplane mechanic before joining the Centre d’Art in 1945. Known for his use of house enamel, his early works captured intimate scenes of Haitian life. His painting “Toilette Paysanne” inspired many aspiring artists to explore painting. Poisson’s art, celebrated for its authenticity and charm, remains a cornerstone of Haiti’s artistic heritage.
Frantz Zephirin, Born in Cap-Haitien in 1968, began painting as a child, influenced by his uncle Antoine Obin. Entirely self-taught, he developed a unique style he calls “Historic Animalist.” Zephirin’s works often feature mystical and fantastical elements, drawing inspiration from a diverse array of sources, including Leonardo da Vinci and the lost city of Atlantis. Internationally acclaimed, his art has been showcased in major exhibitions and publications, reflecting his status as a visionary in Haitian art.
Saint Louis Blaise, Saint Louis Blaise, born in Cap-Haitien in 1956, trained under Jean-Baptiste and Seymour Bottex before developing his distinctive realistic style. Known for his precise design and vibrant historical depictions, Blaise’s works range from scenes of the Haitian Revolution to lush underwater panoramas. His hyper-realistic approach and meticulous attention to detail have earned him international recognition, with exhibitions across Europe and the Americas.