Jasmin Joseph (Haitian, 1923-2005)

Jasmin Joseph was born in Grande Rivière du Nord, Haiti, in 1924 and passed away in 2005. As a young man he left his hometown in search of work in Port-au-Prince, holding various jobs before finding employment in a brick factory. There, Joseph began sculpting clay during his breaks—an activity that would change his life. His talent was discovered by the American sculptor Jason Seley, who was teaching at the Centre d’Art. Encouraged by Seley, Joseph joined the Centre in 1948, where he studied sculpture and took painting lessons. He soon became the only sculptor whose works were accepted into the Centre’s exhibitions. In the early 1950s, Joseph contributed to a mural depicting The Stations of the Cross and created an open-sculpted terra-cotta choir screen for the Episcopal Cathedral of Sainte Trinité in Port-au-Prince—masterworks tragically destroyed in the 2010 earthquake. He was deeply inspired by the cathedral murals of Wilson Bigaud, Castera Bazile, and Philomé Obin, which played a significant role in shaping his artistic vision. Joseph’s artwork is instantly recognizable: charming, imaginative scenes filled with animals wandering through lush, dreamlike vegetation. Often humorous, his animals are sometimes satirical portraits of well-known public figures. He drew inspiration from religious illustrations, children’s stories, and the natural world. His calm strength, quiet wit, and distinctive “animalist” sensibility left strong impressions on art critics Selden Rodman and Jean-Marie Drot. In Peintres Haïtiens, art historian Gérald Alexis writes: “While art should no doubt not be moralizing, an exception should be made for the lessons given by Jasmin Joseph,” underscoring the narrative depth and ethical resonance of his work. Today, Jasmin Joseph’s sculptures and paintings are highly sought after by collectors worldwide and exhibited in major museums and galleries, confirming his place as one of Haiti’s most beloved and original artists. Scroll Down to Make Your Selection (s)!