Artist from Haiti - Didier Civil

He has been one of the best kept secrets in Haitian art. His work has not been widely available outside of Jacmel but has been collected for years by discriminating buyers who have seen it there. Civil is a shrewd observer of the Haitian culture and frequently focuses on its underside, calling attention to the plight of the less fortunate, such as street kids and homeless families. He also paints vodou subjects, seeming to favor the Gede family, the spirits of the afterlife. He mastered his craft long ago but continues to experiment with different styles.

Civil works also in papier-mache, having worked with Lyonel Simonis, a pioneer of the high-art carnaval masks for which Jacmel is famous. In 2005 He founded CFAJ, an artist co-op which provides support to painters and mask-makers. He is making considerable contributions to the vibrant art scene in Jacmel.