into Haiti space of Art

Artibonite artists

The painters of the Artibonite region in central Haiti, where Hopital Albert Schweitzer Haiti is located, have developed their own style, which is quite recognizable.

The style began with Saincilus Ismaël, the recently deceased great master of the region, who was influenced by Byzantine art he had seen in books. Ismaël began to paint in 1956 after visiting the Centre d’Art in Port-au-Prince. His paintings are marked by exquisite detail. Every article of clothing, house, or tree is painted with a different intricate geometric pattern.

Délouis Jean-Louis grew up in Petite Rivière under the influence of Ismaël. Although he worked under Ismaël for 15 years, he never had formal painting lessons. He began painting to make money, but gradually began to paint carefully executed scenes from his imagination.

Alix Dorléus also learned to paint with Ismaël and Mrs. Mellon. He paints all day long and will paint anywhere he feels the spirit to motivate him. His best paintings are detailed depictions, like activity maps, of daily life in the Artibonite Valley.

Ernst Louizor is considered one of the best impressionist painters of Haiti. Louzor was born in Port-au-Prince on October 16, 1938. After high school (Lycee Toussaint L'Ouverture '57) he worked in the tax section of Customs. Louizor's painting career began in 1951 when at the age of 13 he joined the Centre d’Art and studied under Wilmino Domond. He later entered the Academie des Beaux-Arts shortly after its founding in 1959 and furthered his studies with George Ramponeau. Louzior has many disciples including his wife Gerda Louizor. He has exhibited in Europe and the U.S..

Haitian sculpture"Haitian Sculpture" Haitian sculpture is made of natural materials, traditional art mediums, and recycled materials.

"Haitian Steel Drum Sculpture" The community of master artisans of Croix des Bouquets are a miracle in the midst of extreme poverty in Haiti. They create beautiful art out of recycled oil drums and in doing so are at the precipice of building sustainable incomes for their families and the community.

Haitian flag-makingThe tradition of making flags to decorate Vodou places of worship is well established. Flags most most often commemorate specific sprits or saints, but the 2010 earthquake has become a common subject. The use of sequins in these flags became prevalent in the 1940's, and many of today's flags cover the entire flag in colored sequins and beads. These flags are traded as art by dealers around the world.