Reserved, shy and modest - these are the first impressions of Eric Girault, who is one of today's best models of a Haitian Impressionist painter. He was born in Jeremie on Haiti's southern peninsula, on December 4, 1937. Girault is called "The Vibration of Life." He completed his secondary education in Lycee Nord Alexis and College Saint Louis of Jeremie. read more
Girault had a passion for drawing at a very young age. Every year, the Lycee organizes a drawing competition on the "Haitian Flag Day". In 1956, he participated and won the Second Prize.
In 1959, Girault moved to Port-au-Prince and met Isaa El Saieh, who encouraged him to join the Brochette Studio (School of Art). Girault studied there until 1961 and met the artists Lazard, Tiga and Cedor, who became his best friends. In 1962, Girault met the Maurice Brothers (Haitian Sculptors), who introduced him to the gallery "Artist Fingers". He became acquainted with the artist Jolicoeur and during this period, Girault composed poems about the sea and the beach. In the same year, he participated in the Paintings Competition patronized by the ESSO. Girault joined the Foyer Des Arts Plasticques in 1967. Two years later, he discovered his own impressionist style. The artist Jean Renee Jerome introduced him to art dealer Georges Nader. In 1973, Girault had his first exhibit with two other Haitian artists at the Nader Art Gallery and then participated in several international exhibits.
In 1976, Girault moved to the United State with his family and continued to paint. He did not change his style, but he watched American life and his works reflect it. Twelve of his productions were in view for the month of July, 1977 at La Librarie De France" at the Rockefeller Center. After this exhibit, French critic Jean Pigon carried a few paintings to Paris where they enjoyed a wild success. In 1978, Girault participated with ten other Haitian artists in an exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum, where his paintings were a great hit. This show launched the successful recognition that Girault continues to enjoy today in the United States and abroad.
From 1980 through 2004 Girault was consistently active in exhibits several times a year at different galleries, museums, art events and fundraisers. Since then, his activity has slowed down significantly due to his impaired vision from glaucoma and macular degeneration. Today, he continues to be inspired and creates art every day in his studio in New York City. Eric Girault's paintings are featured the personal collections of many prominent people, including Giscard D'Estaing (former President of France) the late Aristotle Onassis, and the late Nelson Rockefeller.