Gabriel Bien-Aimé was born in Croix-des-Bouquets – the city nurtured such great Haitian sculptors as the late Georges Liautaud (the master of Haitian metal sculpture) and Murat Brierre, the brothers Louisjuste, and Serge Jolimeau. Before apprenticing to sculptor Janvier Louis-Juste, Bien-Aimé worked as an auto mechanic for several years.
Bien-Aimé often uses biblical and vodou themes in his work, combining them with his playful sense of humor. Although sometimes his sculptures do not deal with the lwa (vodou spirits) directly, they always make reference to it. In vodou, the lwa (spirits), which are at the center of the religion, are closely linked with nature, and are believed to inhabit springs, rivers, and trees. They are also conceptualized and represented in human and non-human forms.
His work has been featured in numerous exhibitions and art shows, and included in publications about Haitian Art.
Tree
Tree - detail
St. Francis with Birds
St. Francis with Birds - detail
Girl with Braids
Angel
Mermaid
Mermaid with Trumpet
Three Faces
Man with Bird
Bird
Angel with a Bird
Woman with Birds
Fish
La Sirene
Crucifix with an Angel
Crucifix