Frantz Dorelus “Abstract”

Description

Frantz Dorelus is a Haitian painter known for his contributions to the Saint Soleil movement, a prominent art movement in Haiti. He was born on March 6, 1974, in Anglade, a locality near Pétion-Ville in Haiti.

Dorelus initially began his artistic journey as a draftsman before transitioning to painting in 1985. It was during this time that he had the opportunity to meet Tiga and Maud, the founders of the Saint Soleil group, who took an interest in one of his works. This encounter proved to be a pivotal moment in Dorelus’ artistic development.

In 1989, Frantz Dorelus participated in a collective exhibition of Abstract Art at the KAYTIGA Cultural Center in Bourdon Park, Port-au-Prince, Haiti. His participation in various exhibitions continued at venues such as Galerie des Castels, City of Arts, Under Zone, Creative Arts, and Atabus.

Following the separation of the Saint Soleil community, the most dedicated and talented painters, including Dorelus, expressed their desire to continue painting. They formed an informal group called the “Five Suns,” which included Louisiane Saint Fleurant, Denis Smith, Dieuseul Paul, Levoy Exil, and Prospère Pierre Louis, known as the “historical Saint Soleil” artists. Their artistic endeavors gained recognition not only in Haiti but also in Europe and the United States, with artists like Frantz Dorelus, Onel Paul, Payas, and Stevenson Magloire (son of Louisiane Saint Fleurant, who tragically died as a result of an assassination) gaining prominence.

The Saint Soleil movement was characterized by its strong emphasis on spirituality. The artists perceived their work as a means to explore the spiritual dimensions of Haitian culture and to establish a connection between the physical and metaphysical realms. By infusing their art with a deep sense of spirituality, the artists of the movement sought to transcend the superficial exoticism and commercialization often associated with Haitian art.

On May 27, 1995, Tiga delivered a lecture on Saint Soleil at the Maison des ACP in Brussels. He highlighted the movement’s aim to revitalize art and liberate individuals from constraints, while also expressing the challenges they encountered due to the departure from market-driven clichés. The creation of distinctive artworks that diverged from conventional market expectations raised concerns among some, but it also garnered attention for its potential to redefine Haitian art.

Frantz Dorelus’ contributions to the Saint Soleil movement reflect his exploration of spirituality and his dedication to reshaping the artistic landscape in Haiti. His artworks, alongside those of his contemporaries, have left a lasting impact on the art world, transcending borders and captivating audiences with their unique expressions of Haitian culture and the human experience.