Charles Obas (Haitian, b.1927-1969)

Charles Obas was born in Plaisance, northern Haiti, in 1927 and died in 1969. He began his artistic career at the Centre d'Art in Port-au-Prince in 1948 before leaving two years later to help establish the Hall of Plastic Arts, an important movement in the development of modern Haitian art. A gifted painter and accomplished musician, Obas was recognized for his artistic sensitivity and distinctive style. His paintings often feature rainy landscapes, atmospheric scenes, and subtle monochromatic palettes dominated by shades of gray, setting his work apart within Haitian painting. Through his mastery of mood and composition, he created works that convey both emotion and poetic beauty. Obas exhibited in Haiti, the United States, and South America, earning recognition for his unique artistic vision. In 1958, he was awarded First Prize at the Office National du Tourisme (ONT) Competition, further establishing his reputation as one of Haiti's notable modern artists. Today, Charles Obas's paintings are admired for their lyrical quality, expressive use of color, and important contribution to the history of Haitian art. Explore his available works below.