Pétion Savain (Haitian, 1906-1973)

Pétion Savain was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, in 1906 and is celebrated as one of the founders of Haitian modern art. Trained as a lawyer at the Haitian School of Agronomy, Savain began painting in 1931 and quickly developed a distinctive style blending geometry, symbolism, and the vibrant color harmonies that define Haitian creativity. In 1939, he earned international acclaim, receiving medals at the New York World’s Fair and the Treasure Island World’s Fair—achievements that predated the founding of Haiti’s Centre d’Art. Also a novelist, educator, and columnist, Savain authored La Case de Damballah and contributed to several important art publications. Known for his radiant palette of pinks and purples and his rhythmic, architectural compositions, Savain elevated scenes of everyday Haitian life to expressions of beauty and cultural pride. His works have been exhibited at the Grand Central Gallery and the Riverside Museum in New York and remain cornerstones of Haitian art history. Please scroll down to make your selection(s)!