Roger Francois

Roger Francois (1928-2013) was a renowned Haitian painter and sculptor  He was born in Petite Riviere, Haiti and is one of the most important artists from the Haitian art movement that emerged in the mid-20th century. Some of the key characteristics included  drawing heavily  on  the country’s rich cultural and spiritual traditions, including Vodou religion, African heritage, and Caribbean folklore. It also incorporated European and American modernist styles. Artists would use bold, vibrant colors and intricate patterns inspired by the natural beauty and lively culture of Haiti. Narrative themes about everyday life, religious ceremonies, historical events, and mythological narratives are part of the thematic aesthetic. 

Francois‘s paintings often depicted scenes of daily Haitian life, religious ceremonies, and mythological figures. He used a bold expressive style that was characteristic of  the Haitian  art movement. In addition to his painting, Francois was also an accomplished wood carver and sculptor. He is particularly known for his intricate wooden carvings, which frequently incorporated Vodou symbols and motifs. His work has been praised for its unique blend of Haitian cultural traditions and modernist sensibilities. He is considered a pioneering figure in the development of a distinct Haitian artistic identity and is highly influential among later generations of Haitian painters and sculptors. (HT)