Jean-Claude Garoute-TIGA (Haitian, 1935-2006)

Jean-Claude “Tiga” Garoute (1935–2006) was a major Haitian painter, sculptor, and cultural innovator whose influence reshaped modern Haitian art. Born in Haiti, Tiga emerged as one of the most original artistic thinkers of his generation, combining visual experimentation with deep spiritual and cultural inquiry. He is best known as a co-founder of the Saint-Soleil movement, an influential artistic community that emphasized intuitive creation, spiritual expression, and freedom from academic constraints. Tiga developed the Rotation Artistique teaching method, an experimental approach that encouraged artists to rotate among disciplines, materials, and modes of expression. This philosophy rejected rigid hierarchies and fostered creativity rooted in instinct, collective exchange, and cultural memory. He later founded Poto Mitan and KayTiga, spaces dedicated to artistic research, spiritual exploration, and community-based creation. Artistically, Tiga is known for his Solèy Brile (“burning sun”) technique and abstract spiritual style, marked by raw surfaces, symbolic forms, and intense chromatic energy. His work draws from Vodou cosmology, African heritage, and universal spiritual themes, placing him at the intersection of abstraction, ritual, and modernism. Tiga exhibited internationally and mentored numerous artists, leaving a profound imprint on generations of Haitian painters and sculptors. Jean-Claude “Tiga” Garoute’s legacy remains central to the history of modern Haitian art. As an artist, teacher, and cultural catalyst, he expanded the boundaries of artistic practice in Haiti and established a lasting framework for creative freedom and spiritual expression. Scroll Down to Make Your Selection (s)!