Jacques-Richard Chery (Haitian, 1929-1980)

Jacques-Richard Chéry, known as Jacques Chéry, was born in Cap Haitian on January 12, 1929. He did primary and secondary studies at Christian Brothers and the International College of Cap Haitian. He is a self-taught painter who started painting in 1950. He has been a Seneque Obin, Pierre Vincent, and Seymour Bottex student since 1951. In 1961, he joined Centre d'Art in Port-au-Prince. Attracted firstly by historical subjects, Chéry engaged himself in King Christophe's achievements, and the "Citadel Laferriere," vast and majestic, prevails over the first part of his work. Then, as though pursuing a dream of plenty, he began to paint vendors carrying on their heads fruits or gigantic poultries, candid, scintillates, full of humor and colors. Jacque Chery's art is one of the most substantial illustrations of marvelous Haitian realism. He became internationally known through the exhibition "Haitian Art" in the Brooklyn Museum in 1979, where he presented several works. Chéry has had numerous exhibits worldwide, especially in New York, London, Paris, and Berlin. Vogue, Time, and Paris-Match Magazines have also mentioned his paintings. In 1987, Chery created a biblical fresco, Voile de Carême, for the Société Misereor of Aix-la-Chapelle in Germany. Jacques Chery is well known for his historical and folklore paintings. His art depicts everyday life in Haiti with both a touch of realism and a sense of marvelous. His characters have wide buttocks, carrying enormous fruits on their heads, and his marriage and funeral scenes demonstrate his profound desire to translate Haitian reality with a sense of humor. (Biographical info from Haiti Voodoo Kingdom to Modern Riviera and zoomfo)