Bob Corbett, professor at Webster University in St. Louis, MO moderates an online discussion on everything Haitian. It is an energetic, thought provoking and at times very controversial discussion group. Recently Richard Morse, owner of the Olafson Hotel in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, posted an article reflecting on his artistic pedigree and his relationships with other Haitian artists. It is a fascinating post. Of particular interest to me is a paragraph in which he describes an encounter with Fortune Gerard. I quote,

“Gerard came to see me the other day. I haven’t seen him in probably 10 years. We stood looking at each for a bit and he asked me if I wanted to buy a painting. I said no but I could tell that wasn’t why he came over. He bent over, reached into a plastic bag a pulled out a plaque. He said “They gave me this plaque”. I looked at the plaque. It was an honor and merit type thing from the Haitian Ministry of Culture and some other group. I said “did they give you any money?” He said “They said the plaque would last longer” and he chuckled.
I’ld say it was about a 250 gourde plaque. We shook hands and went our separate ways. His hands are soft but his insights are sharp. Razor sharp.”

I had to smile. I first met Gerard at a dinner party in the home of an art collector/dealer in Petion-ville a number of years ago. Also present at that dinner was another well known Haitian artist. After an incredibly delicious meal we retired to a living room where, while sitting in front of a lovely fireplace, we were treated to Gerard showing off his latest works. One by one he proudly held them up for all to see. Of course, being fans of his naif, untrained style, my friends an I were in awe as each canvas was raised. Interestingly, the other artist who’s style, in stark contrast to that of Gerard’s is much more trained , was looking at those canvasses with a much different eye. The competitive heat between those men was only surpassed by the roaring fire. Due to a language inadequacy on our part, we could only speak to Gerard through gestures and an interpreter; but it was obvious that his broad smile and proud spirit was not going to be put off by the condescending smirking of his fellow artist.

I remembered that wonderful evening as I read Morse’s words, “His hands are soft but his insights are sharp. Razor sharp.” Meeting Gerard that evening was an unforgettable experience. He is a true genius, laughing at life through his inapporpriately proportioned figures; dealing with the injustices of life through irreverent humor. After our return home we received a gift from Gerard - a painting depicting the dinner party! In his incredible, naif, haunting style, using primary colors he portrayed each dinner guest including the dog. That painting is a real treasure which captures that memorable moment and brings a smile to my face every time I look at it.