Galland Sémérand (Haitian, 1953-2019)

Galland Sémérand (1953–December 2019) was a Haitian painter born in Cap-Haïtien and trained in the workshop of Philomé Obin. A notable figure associated with the Le Cap tradition, Sémérand is recognized for his masterful attention to detail and a realist approach characteristic of Cap-Haïtien artists. At the same time, his compositions often introduce a subtle idealization—refining scenes and figures with a clarity and harmony that distinguish his work within the Obin-influenced school. As noted by Gérald Alexis in Peintres Haïtiens, Sémérand’s precise handling of detail is firmly rooted in the realism of artists from Le Cap, while also reflecting an unmistakable sense of idealization. Though he passed away in December 2019, his paintings remain valued for their disciplined craftsmanship, narrative presence, and lasting contribution to Haitian art history.