Louines Mentor (Haitian, b.1936)

Louinès Mentor (b. 1936) was born in St. Louis du Sud, Haiti. He studied under the French Friars in Verrettes and began painting in 1964, using Sapolin paint and handmade goat-hair brushes, reflecting his resourceful, self-taught approach. His early works, often depicting street scenes and religious subjects, evoke the richness of medieval tapestries and stained glass. Mentor’s paintings celebrate Haitian life with vibrant color and lyrical composition, capturing the rhythm and spirituality of both rural and urban scenes. One of his notable works appeared on the front and back covers of the March 1972 issue of Americas, the magazine of the Organization of American States. His work has also been collected by Jonathan Demme and is held in the permanent collection of Bryant University’s Douglas and Judith Krupp Library. Today, Louinès Mentor’s paintings are valued by collectors for their narrative charm, vivid color, and joyful depictions of Haitian culture. Explore his available works below.