St. Louis Blaise (Haitian, 1956-1993)

St. Louis Blaise (February 11, 1956–1993) was a Haitian painter born in Cap-Haïtien, known for highly precise draftsmanship and a realist approach shaped by disciplined observation. He began his career in 1971 and trained for two years under Jean-Baptiste Bottex and Seymour Bottex, developing a careful, methodical technique in which design and detail are essential. His paintings reflect patience and minute attention to form, giving his subjects clarity, structure, and strong visual impact. Early in his career, Blaise focused on Haitian history, especially the early nineteenth century, exploring themes of the Revolution, the Empire, and the Kingdom of Henri Christophe. Many of these works evoke the grandeur of Sans-Souci Palace, populated with feather-decked generals and ceremonial pageantry, rendered in a “primitive” (self-taught, folk) narrative style. Sometime in the mid-to-late 1970s or early 1980s, Blaise transitioned away from primarily historical subjects and developed the satirical genre paintings for which he became best known: exaggeratedly obese members of the Haitian bourgeoisie. This shift marked a move toward a more hyper-realistic finish and a sharper social commentary, while maintaining the disciplined precision that defined his technique. Alongside these genre scenes, he also produced more decorative works, including bouquets, fruit-laden trees, and vividly colored underwater panoramas. His paintings are held in the permanent collections of numerous museums and have been widely exhibited in reputable galleries. His work has been particularly sought after and trendy in France, where collectors and audiences have shown sustained interest in his distinctive blend of history, satire, and technical refinement.Scroll down to make your selection (s)!