Jean-Baptiste Jean-Joseph (Haitian,b.1967)

Jean-Baptiste Jean-Joseph, born in 1967 in Bainet, Haiti, has made a substantial impact on Haiti's folk art movement. From a young age, he honed his skills by weaving baskets and working in factories, where he carefully applied beads and pearls to wedding dresses. In 1991, he courageously started his own business with a small loan from a friend. His first piece was a Vodou flag. From the start, Jean Baptiste established a unique style, inspired by a powerful revelation. He intentionally contrasts sparse backgrounds with vibrant, densely filled center images that display a variety of innovative beads. He began selling his flags at the renowned Museum Art gift shop in Port-au-Prince, quickly moving to exhibit in some of the island's most prestigious art galleries. Today, he works with a sewing machine and leads a team of talented artisans, creating intricate pieces that take several weeks to complete. His work has gained international attention, with exhibitions in galleries across Haiti, the U.S., Australia, and France. Scroll down to make your selection!