After dropping out of school at the age of 11, Roy Reid (Jamaica, 1937-2009) remained illiterate until his thirties. Spiritual by nature, he then taught himself to read by using the Bible. Today he is regarded as one of the most important outsider artists in his native Jamaica. His use of strong colors often carries symbolic meanings.
Nurse by Roy Reid. Oil on canvas, 30 x 26 inches, $3,850.
Wonder by Roy Reid. Oil on canvas, 32 x 24 inches (framed), $3,850.
My dear friend Jonathan Demme (1944-2017), a notable American film director (Philadelphia, The Silence of the Lambs, and many more) passed away on April 26th. He was an avid art collector, and a great supporter of Folk & Outsider Art and Artists. Every year, he visited us at the Outsider Art Fair in New York bringing with him much enthusiasm. His vast art collection is beyond spectacular, and it is truly a reflection of his joyful yet modest personality. Though he is incredibly missed by so many fans and friends like myself, his passion for Haitian and Folk Art, and his heart and soul, will endure. His eye was for true quality and intense color, and I am honored to own many works from his collection!
“Still Life 03” by Sénèque Obin, Haiti. Oil on panel 24 x 20 inches, framed. 1959, signed. Jonathan Demme Collection. $8,500
“Fishing Boats at Dawn” by Ernst Prophete, Haiti. Oil on panel. 24 x 12 inches, framed. Jonathan Demme Collection. $1,850
“Chicken Coop” by Paul Jean, Haiti (deceased). Oil on Masonite 16 x 20 inches. Jonathan Demme Collection. $950.
Ernst Prophete is an artist from Haiti. Prophete was born in 1950, in Terrier Rouge, then his family later moved to Cap Haitian. Growing up in the proximity of legendary artist such as the Obin family, his eyes for art was naturally nurtured. He then begun painting in the 1960’s as he moved to Port-au-Prince to join the Centre D’Art.
Cruz Enrique España (1950-2020) was a self-taught artist who lived and worked in the villege of San Felipe de Jesús, near Antigua in Guatemala.
He was known as a talented potter throughout his life. Influenced by his father, an artisan, España began working with clay at an early age and opened his studio when he was 20 years old. In his career as an artist, he became well-known for creating hand-painted ceramic sculptures of birds. Naturally curious and exceptionally observant, España studied the behaviors and characters of various birds in the region and captured their unique qualities. Each piece is original – sculpted from quality refined clay, wired, air, then kiln-dried, and painted over several days.
España’s was considered a cultural ambassador of popular art in Guatemala. His ceramic work was celebrated and exhibited internationally. Further, he was known to be incredibly passionate about supporting his community, serving as the president of the House of Culture of La Antigua Guatemala and the Association of Artisans of San Felipe de Jesus.
As everyone knows, HAITI was recently hit hard with Hurricane Matthew and thousands are homeless as a result. This special country which has given so much to me in terms of inspiration, appreciation, fulfillment in my career, not to mention wonderful art and friendships for a lifetime, is in dire need once more.
I started Galerie Bonheur with a collection of happy and colorful Haitian Art in 1980. The country and people have had my heart since that time, and I have enjoyed every day of this association and the many brilliant works of art that I have bought and sold over those 36 years. Therefore, I am moved to raise funds for Haiti again…..as I have done in the past.
These funds go directly to help the people and children who are suffering from lack of food, clothing, housing and the basic needs of humanity. (Every dollar will go straight to those caring for victims. No dollars will be diverted for administrative needs as happens with many American relief agencies.)
I promise that you will not regret your purchase as it will bring you joy and pleasure for many years, and it will also help some Haitians to continue on their difficult path through life.
Many thanks, love and appreciation, and hugs from Haiti, and from Laurie, owner and director of Galerie Bonheur. ️️️️
