Artist Spotlight | Saincilus Ismael
Born April 24, 1940 in Petite Riviere de L'Artibonite, Haiti. Ismael completed his primary studies at the school 'Freres de Saint Marc' and completed his secondary studies at J.B. Damier and the Lycee Antenor Firmin. Ismael began drawing at age seven, then began to paint in 1956 after visiting the Centre d'Art and the Foyer des Arts Plastiques. In 1967 he led a group of artists who were commissioned to paint the community exposition hall at the Albert Schweitzer Hospital in Deschapelles. Ismaël spent most of his creative life as director of the Ceramic Centre and Deschapelles.
Ismael was a man of great integrity, simplicity and mystery. He was knowledgeable of many things, but inarguably a master in painting. He was a professional agriculture specialist, and had a diploma in masonry. He was political activist and spent seven years in prison for opposing the Duvaliers, Papa and Baby Doc. He was very much respected in the art world, within and outside of Haiti.
Ismael is the progenitor of the 'Artibonite style,' featuring elaborately decorated clothing and backgrounds. He developed an intricate style of painting that closely resembles Byzantine iconography, with its geometric precision and close attention to minute detail.
He painted scenes of Haitian peasant life and Christianity, which included a heavy vodoo overlay. He trained scores of students including Faiderbe and Michel-Ange Altidort, Clothes Dominique, Kedson Estigene, Carlos Jn. Baptiste, Claude Joachim, Benson Myrthil, Hyggens and R. Errol Louis. Although he died in March 2000, Ismael remains one of the most highly regarded contemporary Haitian painters.
Although he died in March 2000, Ismael remains one of the most highly regarded contemporary Haitian painters.
Selected Works | Click thumbnail for details
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