Haiti, Haitian Times, Inglês

PORT-AU-PRINCE — In his growing portfolio of artworks rich with symbolism, artist Mathias Junior David Thébaud’s Péripéties stands out. In the painting of a two-headed toubiyon, Creole for whirlwind, Thébaud places red flames to represent the fragile efforts of Haitians trapped in a country dominated by another force, the gangs. 

“The inspiration came to me from the challenges I faced to continue doing my work in the capital,” Thébaud, 22, explained in a phone interview on Dec. 4, the same weekend a gang massacred nearly 200 people in the city.

“Even in the face of obstacles, it’s possible to dream big and work towards your aspirations,” he said.

In the shadow of Haiti’s turmoil, Thébaud himself paints a portrait of the dual forces — struggle and resilience — that have defined life for so many. Ranging from serene depictions of Haiti’s landscapes to poignant portrayals of hardships, his artwork bridges Haiti’s vibrant culture with its current struggles, both critiquing and celebrating. 

Despite the pervasive violence and instability, Haiti’s creative spirit endures in people like Thébaud, creatives who navigate and challenge their environment to till the country’s cultural richness.

“I can tell you, every time I work on a painting, it is always an immense pleasure,” Thébaud says. “However, the current situation in the country deeply affects me, as a young artist.”

An early commitment to art 

Thébaud, the eldest of three children, grew up in a neighborhood of Pétion-Ville, surrounded by creativity in the Nérette neighborhood, in the commune of Pétion-Ville. His father David Thébaud, a sculptor, sparked the boy’s curiosity for art early on. 

“Drawing has always been part of my life. Watching my father, an artist himself, sparked my curiosity for art,” Thébaud recalls. 

As childhood became marked by instability and separation due to family changes, art became his sanctuary. Sketchbooks offered solace amid the chaos, a place to imagine and create freely. At his Pétion-Ville school, teachers and mentors instilled in Thébaud the value of perseverance and education.

In 2010, a devastating year for Haiti after the calamitous earthquake, he joined Espwa Lavi Pou Timoun Yo (ELT), an artistic institution in Pétion-Ville. There, he explored painting and sculpture, though drawing remained his truest form of expression. ELT also introduced Thébaud to a network of other young artists, transforming his personal passion into a professional pursuit. 

 “When I created my first piece, I felt immense pride and realized this talent was truly within me,” he says.

Inspiration behind the canvas

Today, violence in Haiti’s capital spares no one or livelihood, including artists. Once ubiquitous, exhibitions have become nearly impossible as rising violence drives away clients, stifling visibility for creatives. 

“Today, it is very difficult for us, young artists, people no longer buy art” Thébaud says. 

Wislin Monfilston, a friend, echoes the reality. 

“Works lack visibility because exhibitions can’t be held like before,” Monfilston laments.

Yet, Thébaud and his cohort remain undeterred, channeling these hardships into art. One striking piece by Thebaud depicts a boiling pot, its radiating heat a visceral reminder of the hunger and food insecurity that remain painfully persistent for many Haitian families.

To encourage fellow Haitians to embrace their identity and shared achievements, he often creates pieces such as Victoire, Creole for Victory. The painting includes a woman, whose skull he depicts as a weapon, a clenched fist representing resistance and victory, and the nation’s iconic bicolor flag, a testament to Haiti as the first free Black republic.

For Thébaud, this representation carries a message of hope: that future generations can reclaim and redefine the legacy of their ancestors. 

Thébaud’s art also conjures Haiti’s potential for transformation. In another painting, he calls attention to the urgent need for environmental preservation, critiquing the poor management that has exacerbated hardships for the Haitian people. 

Inspiration out front and on the scene 

Though young, Thébaud serves as vice president of the “Haitian Ruby Project,” an organization focused on empowering young people through community service and personal development. He is also co-founder of Zo Design, a small business specializing in printing services, that blends discipline, creativity and purpose to inspire his network.

With every brushstroke, Thébaud hopes he is crafting a future where Haitian art is celebrated internationally. 

“I want Haitian art and photography to reclaim their rightful place on the global stage,” Thébaud says. 

Others have taken notice of his efforts.

“His work reflects strength and determination and inspires me in many ways,” said Louis Roosevelt, who has known Thébaud since elementary school.  “Despite the challenges, he remains focused on using art to uplift Haitian culture and advocate for justice.” 

Thébaud’s talent is already earning him recognition on the local art scene. In January 2024, his work was featured at Ann Viv Ansanm, “Let’s Live Together” in Creole, an art festival in Saint-Michel de l’Attalaye. It helped solidify his presence in Haiti’s artistic landscape. 

“I have no doubt that his talent will make Haiti proud,” Monfilston said. 

Thébaud’s participation in Artisanat en Fête, one of Haiti’s premier creative showcases, alongside his father in 2011 remains his most significant milestone yet. 

“It was a big achievement, and there will be more,” he says. “I haven’t fully met my expectations yet.”

Here are some photos of the works by artisans and artists that were displayed for sale at the 18th edition of Artisanat en Fête.