Georges Liautaud (Haitian, 1899-1991)

Georges Liautaud was born in Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti, in 1899 and died in 1991. Widely regarded as the father of Haitian metal sculpture, he transformed recycled oil drums and wrought iron into one of Haiti's most celebrated artistic traditions. A blacksmith by trade, Liautaud was discovered by Dewitt Peters in 1953 through the intricate cemetery crosses he created, inspired by the sacred Vodou vevés of his native village. Working from his blacksmith's workshop in Croix-des-Bouquets, Liautaud developed a distinctive style depicting Vodou spirits, mermaids, animals, and symbolic figures. His pioneering vision inspired generations of artists and established the Croix-des-Bouquets metal sculpture tradition, now recognized worldwide. His sculptures have been exhibited internationally and are held in major collections, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Figge Art Museum, the Musée National d'Art Moderne in Paris, Le Centre d'Art, the Musée d'Art Haïtien du Collège Saint-Pierre, and MUPANAH. Today, Georges Liautaud's sculptures remain among the most sought-after works of Haitian art for their historical importance, craftsmanship, and lasting influence on modern Haitian metal sculpture. Explore his available works below.