Sandra Dessalines, creating to testify her freedom
Sandra Dessalines is a self-taught Haitian painter, sculptor, and visual artist. She was born in Port-au-Prince but grew up in the commune of Carrefour. Today, she is an ambassador who brings Haitian culture to life through her art all over the world, particularly in France, where she has lived for more than a decade.
An Honorable Journey
Sandra Dessalines trained as an agricultural engineer at Quisqueya University in Port-au-Prince and continued her studies at INSA in Toulouse, France. Her official entry into the world of art came after the devastating earthquake that ravaged her homeland, Haiti, on January 12, 2010. This event pushed her towards art, allowing her to reach the level she occupies today.
In terms of recognition, Sandra Dessalines has made a name for herself, with her original style, inspired by her native Haiti, gaining increasing recognition from major event organizers in Paris. In October 2024, she even received the public prize at Lmh Concept Events Art and Design for their 10th anniversary in Paris. This award perfectly reflects the originality of her work and her ability to touch people’s hearts through her creation.
HaïtiA Passionate Artist
Sandra Dessalines identifies as a visual storyteller, expressing herself through her work to capture the essence of her identity and Haitian roots. "Through my paintings and installations, I aim to capture the essence of my identity, my Haitian roots, and the stories that have shaped my people." This artistic approach is a profound reflection on memory, history, and emotions, a way for Sandra to fully exist in a world where the voices of women, especially Black women, are often marginalized. Through her artwork, Sandra demonstrates that Haïti still has much to surprise and inspire the rest of the world with its cultural richness.
HaïtiA Constant Presence
Since her childhood, art has been a refuge and a means of expression for Sandra, allowing her to convey her emotions without barriers. Her artistic journey naturally led her to sculpture, a universal language. "Sculpture became a universal language for me, a means of expression where I could transcribe my emotions, struggles, and hopes without barriers." Sculpture, thus, became an act of resistance, a testimony, and a celebration of her Haitian heritage, a way to honor her history and claim her freedom. However, the road has not always been easy for a Black Haitian woman in a male-dominated field. Sandra faces daily obstacles, particularly the Western gaze that often reduces Black women’s art to a mere "exotic aesthetic." "Being a Black woman in the art world means constantly proving your legitimacy." As a Haitian, she also fights against the marginalization of her culture, which is often seen through the lens of reductive stereotypes. These challenges only strengthen her determination to continue her artistic work with strength and conviction.
HaïtiA Source of Inspiration
Among her inspirations, Sandra mentions figures such as the French sculptor Rémy Trottereau, whose resilience and personal commitment particularly impressed her. "I draw inspiration from many figures, particularly French sculptor Rémy Trottereau for his resilience and personal commitment to his art." She also speaks of the raw energy of Marc Petit and the timeless work of Ousmane Saw, who was able to capture the soul of the Black world. These influences nourish her work and allow her to give voice to her deep convictions.
Stéphanie Sophie Louis: A Symbol of Youthful Commitment for Haiti’s Real Development
Stéphanie Sophie Louis is the name of this young Haitian woman who is fully committed to the fight for the development of her country. A political scientist, activist, entrepreneur, and speaker, she was born on September 18, 2001, at the University Hospital of Haiti’s State University in the capital of Haiti. She is one of three daughters of her parents. Stéphanie grew up in central Haiti, specifically in the commune of Lascahobas. The key word in this young woman’s life is "commitment"; indeed, from her adolescence, she joined the scouts movement. This experience would serve as a springboard for her to be useful to her community. In 2017, she was even named Scout of the Year for the Central Department. Thanks to her involvement with the scouts, she had the chance to travel across the country early on, organizing summer camps for a children’s association, in various locations across the national territory: from Gonaïves to Les Cayes, passing through Marchand Dessalines, Arcahaie, and Saint-Marc. The young girl she was at that time, with her parents’ permission, was able to cross the entire land of her birthplace, which naturally led to a genuine love for her country, a way of confirming the idea that those who see this country up close always end up falling in love with it.
HaïtiTools of Creation
The materials Sandra uses in her creations also reflect her cultural identity. She primarily works with oil paints, but she is not afraid to experiment with mixed materials, integrating fabrics, paper, and organic elements. "I also love experimenting with mixed materials, sometimes integrating fabric, paper, and organic elements that recall the richness of Haitian culture." This search for materials reflects a desire to root her art in the reality of her people and anchor her work in the foundations of her culture.
HaïtiHaitian Identity and History at the Heart of Her Art
The artist’s works explore powerful themes related to Haiti’s history, Black identity, and the condition of women. Sandra also addresses subjects such as exile, resilience, and the spirituality of Vodou, which is an integral part of Haitian culture. "My work explores themes related to Haiti’s history, Black identity, collective memory, and the condition of women." Each sculpture becomes a fragment of history, an invitation to reflect on our past while imagining a fairer future. As a direct descendant of Jean-Jacques Dessalines (father of the Haitian nation), her country’s history holds a central place in her creative process. The legacy of the Haitian revolution, carried by her ancestor, is a source of strength and artistic responsibility for her. "Being a descendant of Dessalines means carrying within me the legacy of a revolutionary, a man who changed the course of history." Sandra feels the duty to keep this history alive through her art and remind the world of the dignity and strength of the Haitian people.
Stéphanie Sophie Louis: A Symbol of Youthful Commitment for Haiti’s Real Development
Stéphanie Sophie Louis is the name of this young Haitian woman who is fully committed to the fight for the development of her country. A political scientist, activist, entrepreneur, and speaker, she was born on September 18, 2001, at the University Hospital of Haiti’s State University in the capital of Haiti. She is one of three daughters of her parents. Stéphanie grew up in central Haiti, specifically in the commune of Lascahobas. The key word in this young woman’s life is "commitment"; indeed, from her adolescence, she joined the scouts movement. This experience would serve as a springboard for her to be useful to her community. In 2017, she was even named Scout of the Year for the Central Department. Thanks to her involvement with the scouts, she had the chance to travel across the country early on, organizing summer camps for a children’s association, in various locations across the national territory: from Gonaïves to Les Cayes, passing through Marchand Dessalines, Arcahaie, and Saint-Marc. The young girl she was at that time, with her parents’ permission, was able to cross the entire land of her birthplace, which naturally led to a genuine love for her country, a way of confirming the idea that those who see this country up close always end up falling in love with it.
HaïtiThe Current Situation of Haïti and a Message of Hope
The current situation in Haïti is a source of pain but also hope for Sandra. Despite the deep crisis her country is undergoing, she sees a committed youth that refuses to submit. "Haïti is going through a deep political and humanitarian crisis, but I also see a youth standing tall, artists, intellectuals who refuse to give up." Through her art, Sandra bears witness to this resilience and strength that characterize the Haitian people.
Finally, for young Haitians who dream of following in her footsteps, Sandra offers a message of hope and determination: "I would tell them to never let anyone tell them their art has no value." She encourages them to create without fear, to tell their own stories, and to understand that art has the power to change mentalities. The freedom won by Haitian ancestors, according to Sandra, must be preserved through creation. "Our ancestors won their freedom by force, now it’s up to us to preserve it through creation." In each piece she creates, Sandra Dessalines claims her freedom, the freedom to be an artist serving her history, her people, and her deep convictions. For her, sculpture is not just an act of creation, but a powerful testimony of the struggle and resilience that so clearly define her homeland, Haiti.
