Haitian art has been traditionally known for it’s depiction of everyday life in bright, bold colors. Some would say that the first generation artists were “primitive” or “naif”. Others argue that those descriptions are racist and that in fact “untrained” would be a more appropriate way to define them. Today experts still debate whether Selden Rodman and DeWitt Peters started the “renaissance” of Haitian art or whether they just helped the artist’s with materials and markets they would not otherwise have. Furthermore, some galleries and collectors will argue as to whether or not new and emerging artists have evolved enough to be included in their exhibits. Whichever side you choose, whatever your opinion, it is evident that today Haitian art has evolved and offers a multitude of genre’s from which collectors can choose.

I am of the opinion that one never knows when the next Bigaud or Carlo Jean-Jacques will appear! (Two of my favorites!) It excites me to see all the old and all the new. Haitian artists seem to always reinvent their styles and that’s what makes them so exciting. “Some, voluntarily or not, do keep the primary style. Some have the ability to capture light proving to be as impressionist as the old masters. Some, expressionists, very bold with colors, may reach at times the blatency of Fauvism. Others play with shapes and lines, flirting with the modern and post-modern currents.” (Dr. Jean-Robert Leonidas, physician and author, Preface I, Haitian Artists in America, 1997) It is interesting and awe inspiring to see just how the Haitian art world continues to evolve.

Two contemporary emerging young Haitian artists that paint in a variety of styles are Jean Idelus Edme and Lesly Cetout. Edme offers jungle scenes, market scenes and landscapes in a typical naif style and then offers other themes in a more classic/contemporary style. His ability to be that diverse reflects his incredible talent and the reason for his ever growing popularity. Lesly Cetout paints abstracts, portraits and street scenes. When you look at their work you can see how they may have incorporated techniques from other’s styles. Years ago, artists such as these would have had limited exposure but thanks to today’s technology these young men can literally show their works to the world.