Carlo Jn-Jacques (Haitian, 1943-1990)

Carlo Jean-Jacques (May 1, 1943–1990) was a major Haitian contemporary painter associated with the Foyer des Arts Plastiques and recognized for emotionally powerful works addressing social injustice. Born in Haiti and active in Port-au-Prince until his death in 1990, Jean-Jacques developed a distinctive visual language defined by long, expressive lines, refined structure, and a sense of purity that intensifies the human drama in his scenes. His paintings often confront hardship, inequality, and daily struggle with lyrical force, translating social reality into poetic, deeply felt imagery. Jean-Jacques’s art is admired for its combination of emotional intensity and formal restraint. His elongated lines and careful composition create a quiet gravity, allowing his subjects to speak with both dignity and urgency. Haitian art critic Gérald Alexis described his work as “the poetry of wretchedness,” highlighting Jean-Jacques’s ability to transform the pain of social conditions into visual poetry without losing its truth. His original works are increasingly scarce and are jealously held in private collections in Europe and the United States. His market is especially strong in France, where collectors have long valued his rare paintings for their cultural relevance, expressive line, and enduring emotional impact. Today, Carlo Jean-Jacques remains one of the most important Haitian painters associated with socially engaged modern art. Scroll down to make your selection (s)!