Harry Jacques-Arijac (Haitian, b.1937)

Harry Jacques, known professionally as Arijac, was born on August 11, 1937, in Gonaïves, Haiti. He is one of the most renowned Haitian artists of the 20th century, celebrated for his mastery of the encaustic painting technique—a process combining beeswax, turpentine, and pigments to create luminous, layered surfaces. A trained architect, draftsman, and painter, Arijac studied architecture through the International Correspondence School and worked with Sacha Thébaud (Tebo), who introduced him to the encaustic method. His art beautifully merges structure and spirituality, balancing geometry, light, and poetic symbolism inspired by Haiti’s landscapes and culture. Since his first exhibitions in the 1960s at the Haitian-American Institute, French Institute, and the São Paulo Biennial, Arijac’s work has been shown in Haiti, New York, Italy, and beyond, earning him international acclaim. A permanent collection of his paintings is displayed at Ruelle Nazon in Port-au-Prince. Arijac’s paintings—timeless, spiritual, and luminous—embody the essence of Haitian creativity and remain highly sought after by collectors worldwide. Explore authentic Arijac paintings for sale at Myriam Nader Haitian Art Gallery. Scroll below to make your selection (s)!