4 Valentine's Day Gifts From Black Haitian Artists
If Valentines day celebrates love, then Black History Month honors the labor of love captured throughout black history.
We can’t talk about black history without binging up Haiti, which became the world's first black-led republic and the first independent Caribbean state when it threw off French colonial control and slavery in the early 19th century.
During a time of black oppression, Haiti served as a beacon of hope and a pillar of strength for all those fighting for change.
So this year, instead of chocolates and roses, your gift can reflect the best of both worlds by supporting the Black Haitian community, and in particular, it's increasingly talented artists.
Here are 4 Valentine's Day Gifts From Black Haitian Artists
1. Bernard Sejourne (1947-1994) 24"x21" Lady Gazing At The Back
This beautiful original 24"x21" painting created by the late Haitian master painter Bernard Sejourne is the perfect Valentines gift for that special someone! The unframed painting is in good condition, signed and dated on the lower right corner.
Born on November 20, 1947, in Port-au-Prince, Bernard Sejourne began studying art formally after he graduated from high school. Painter and sculptor, he was the best-known artist of the school of art known as the School of Beauty, which honors the woman. His work depicts beauty, elegance, and grace.
2. Marche en Plein Air, 1980
Get this giant 40"x60" acrylic on canvas painting of a mother and daughter at the farmers market signed by famous Haitian contemporary master Lyonel Laurenceau.
Lyonel Laurenceau (born 1942) is a Haitian painter. Laurenceau studied in Haiti, the US, and France and created paintings inspired by the human character. He won first prize at the New York City World's Fair in 1966 and later moved to Montreal (Canada), where he was made an honorary citizen of the city of Montreal.
Buy it for $40,000 or make an offer.
3. Mimi Desir 16"x20" Maroule/Butterfly Lady 2021
"Maroulé/Butterfly Lady" is an original 16"x20" acrylic painting painted in 2021 by Haitian-American woman artist Mimi Desir. "Maroule" was Inspired by the beautiful dresses of Carole Demesmin, which she often makes. Her movements remind the artist of the butterfly and the time of the Carnaval in her homeland.
Self-taught artist Mimi Desir (Myrlene Legendre Desir) was born in Bassin Mayan, near Gonaives, Haiti, in 1962. Mimi developed a passion for art at an early age (5-9); she studied art classes at George Washington, University, Montgomery College, and Maryland University, influenced by French impressionists. She paints in both impressionism and realism styles.
4. Myriam Nader Haitian Art Gallery Gift Card
With so many beautiful art pieces, it may be hard to pick out the perfect one for your Valentine. Charge your gift card with your preferred amount and let that special someone shop for whatever artwork they desire on the Myriam Nader website.