A relatively new form of expression, Haitian Art didn’t really reach the world stage until 1944 with the opening of the Centre de Arte in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

This new style of painting had never been seen before in the Caribbean or anywhere else in the world, for that matter. There were the bold sharp angles, the passionate primary colors, and an unnerving mix of joyfulness and anger, celebration and woe.

The artist leading the Haitian Art charge was one Hector Hyppolite, a voodoo priest with no formal artistic training. He and his contemporaries had little or no exposure to the other visual arts. Isolated from the rest of the world, they painted with great vigor and childlike innocence, based on what they witnessed in everyday village life.

Although third and fourth generations have enhanced the art somewhat with more sophisticated techniques. However, Haitian Art is still a folk art, emphasizing spontaneity and simplicity. And because of its proximity to Haiti, the Dominican Republic is one of the best places in the world to purchase Haitian Art, especially along the Caribbean coast from Santo Domingo to La Romana, where you’ll find the best deals and variety.

Visitors to the Dominican Republic can find an excellent selection along the southern Caribbean coast from Santo Domingo to La Romana. One place to look for it is TheVina Bambu Shop in La Romana. It offers an extensive supply of the art as well as the jewelry mentioned above, along with a small café and thatched roof salon. Also recommended are the streets of Boca Chica, but don’t forget to haggle.

[Back to Top]