Harry Jacques “Arijac” (Still Life)

Description

Harry Jacques (Arijac): Master of Haitian Encaustic Painting

Harry Jacques, better known by his artistic name Arijac, was born on August 11, 1937, in Gonaïves, Haiti. He is celebrated as one of Haiti’s finest painters, whose works blend a rich cultural heritage with an ancient and intricate painting technique.

Early Life and Education
After completing his high school education, Arijac pursued studies in architecture through the International Correspondence School, laying the foundation for his artistic and technical skills. From 1962 to 1963, he worked as a draftsman in the architectural firm of the renowned Haitian artist Sacha Thèbaud (also known as Tebo). He also served in the school construction division of the Department of Agriculture from 1962 until 1975.

It was under Sacha Thèbaud’s mentorship that Arijac mastered the encaustic method, a 2,000-year-old technique dating back to the time of Alexander the Great. This labor-intensive process involves blending beeswax, turpentine, and pigment, and applying the mixture with a heated iron to create luminous, textured images.

Artistic Career
Arijac began showcasing his talent in 1965, with his debut exhibition at the Haitian-American Institute. His subsequent exhibitions at the French Institute (1967), the Sao Paulo Biennial, and various shows in New York solidified his reputation as a master painter. Throughout the years, his work has graced galleries in Haiti, Italy, and across the United States.

In June 2004, his painting Fille de Mer was included in a major exhibition at the Centre d’Art in Port-au-Prince. The show, titled Women Painters and the Representation of Women in Haitian Painting, celebrated the Centre’s 60th anniversary by featuring works from 60 artists across its history. Arijac was one of the male artists honored for his contributions to the representation of women in Haitian art.

Style and Legacy
Arijac’s encaustic paintings are a testament to his meticulous technique and deep appreciation of Haitian culture. His works often reflect themes of spirituality, identity, and nature, and are permanently exhibited at his gallery on Ruelle Nazon in Port-au-Prince. His mastery of the encaustic method and his ability to weave traditional narratives into a modern artistic framework have earned him accolades both locally and internationally.

Publications and Recognition
Arijac’s contributions to Haitian art have been extensively documented in key publications such as La Peinture Haïtienne by Marie-José Nadal and Gérald Bloncourt and Peintres Haïtiens by Gerald Alexis. These works underscore his role as a pivotal figure in Haitian art history.

Arijac remains a towering figure in Haitian art, bridging the past and present through his innovative use of ancient techniques and his dedication to the cultural expression of his homeland.