Jacques-Enguerrand Gourgue (Haitian, 1930-1996)

Jacques-Enguerrand Gourgue (1930–1996) was one of Haiti’s most important modern painters, celebrated for his unique fusion of surrealism with rural Haitian life and Vodou symbolism. Born in Port-au-Prince, he joined the Centre d’Art in 1947 and, despite having no formal training, quickly developed a highly distinctive style characterized by skeletal trees, peasants and their huts, mountains, flowers, and spiritual imagery arranged in dreamlike, expressive compositions. Gourgue rose to international prominence at a young age. His groundbreaking painting The Magic Table was exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art in New York in 1948, where it remains part of the permanent collection. At just 18 years old, he won the gold medal at the 1949 bicentennial exhibition of Port-au-Prince, firmly establishing his reputation. He later lived and worked in Spain during his well-known “Spanish period,” exhibiting throughout Europe and the Americas, with several works auctioned at Sotheby’s and Christie’s. Returning to Haiti later in life, Gourgue continued producing major works, including a large mural featured on Haiti’s flag for the 1992 Seville Expo. His imagery, deeply rooted in Haitian folklore, rural life, and Vodou spirituality, made him an undisputed leader of modern Haitian art. As Gérald Alexis writes in Peintres Haïtiens, “Gourgue’s determination enabled him to become a master of Expressionism through his drawing, light, and color effects.” J.E. Gourgue remains recognized worldwide as a defining figure in the evolution of Haitian painting. Scroll Down to Make Your Selection (s)!