Narrating the Haitian Story
August 13 – August 29, 2018
Dessalines, Acrylic Paint on Canvas, 8 x 8 feet, 1998
FIRST STREET GALLERY is pleased to announce Narrating the Haitian Story, a solo exhibition of selected works created by renowned Haitian artist Fritz St. Jean. Fritz St. Jean (1954–2017) is known for his dramatic use of bold colors, fine lines, and incredible details on canvas. This exhibition will feature works that aptly capture the complexities of Haiti’s socio-political climate, dynamic history, and the humanity of its people. It will run from August 13-29, 2018, with an opening reception on Thursday, August 16 from 6 to 8 pm.
Born in Port Au Prince, Fritz St. Jean (1954–2017) emerged as one of Haiti’s most illustrious artists. Initially, his style consisted of painting animal and jungle scenes on canvas. However, in 1980, St. Jean broke away from that style to memorialize his hopes and dreams for Haiti through his paintings. Being widely viewed as socio-political commentaries on the dichotomous realities of Haitian life, St. Jean’s paintings transport the viewer to scenes of mysticism, idealism, and humanity all in one. This pivotal point in his career reflected his feelings about his homeland, where his patriotism and dedication to Haiti never wavered. St. Jean often said, “Everything I paint comes from inside of me. There is no superficiality. I feel like I’m an ambassador for Haiti when I paint.” He consistently depicted Haiti in a light that celebrated the country without hiding the issues it faced. For that reason, his work explored topics such as Haiti’s historic moments, political unrest, natural disasters, immigration issues, religion, dreams for a utopian Haitian society, and more. Suffice it to say, Haiti was the source of St. Jean’s inspiration.
Fritz St. Jean had many notable achievements throughout his artistic career. Some of his most well known works were featured in the critically acclaimed exhibition “The Sacred Arts of Haitian Voodoo” at the American Museum of Natural History in 1998. Additionally, his work has been published in art books and displayed in notable exhibitions at a variety of art institutions around the world.
For additional information, please contact Mandy Estinville at info@fritzstjean.com.
See more of Fritz St. Jean’s work at www.fritzstjean.com
Summer Gallery Hours: 11am-6pm, Monday through Friday.
