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Sandra Dessalines, creating to testify her freedom
Sandra Dessalines, creating to testify her freedom
Sandra Dessalines, creating to testify her freedom

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.

Haïti
Haïti
Haïti

A 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.

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Haïti
Haïti
Haïti

A 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.

Haïti
Haïti
Haïti

A 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.

Haïti
Haïti
Haïti

Tools 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.

Haïti
Haïti
Haïti

Haitian 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.

Haïti
Haïti
Haïti

The 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.

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About the Author
Moise Francois
Moise Francois
Moise Francois

Journalist editor, poet and apprentice lawyer.

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Haiti, dream space.

Between dream and Haitian reality: A call for unity and action Many men have dreamed big for Haiti. Toussaint Louverture and Jean Jacques Dessalines are examples. Although torn apart by invisible hands, the social fabric of the country had always been considered the greatest project to be set in motion by men of letters. Until then, the history of Haïti remains and remains for Haitians the most appropriate space to dream and propose full and complete freedom. Indeed, Toussaint Louverture had the dream of improving the lot of slaves. Dessalines, for his part, sacrificed himself for the independence of our island (Haiti-Saint-Domingue). After our liberation from the French, men of letters had to take other paths to safeguard the dignity of the country. This situation showed another form of revolution like poets of the patriotism school with supporters such as: Louis Joseph Janvier, Anténor Firmin, Demesvar Délorme and the Generation of the Round with Fernand Hibbert, Georges Sylvain also the indigenous school with Jean Price Mars, Jacques Stephen Alexis, Roussan Camille etc... who express their discontent by pouring ink. By describing or painting the situation of the country. Several years which were first conceived and then born the idea of ​​giving the country its sovereignty, its own bicolor, its army, etc. it was not easy and did not continue like this. Haïti needs for the moment men of dreams, men who love their countries, but not the wealth of this country, men who love the happiness of their country, but not its misfortunes, men who have viable projects , but are not specialists in carnage who are only interested in their pockets, rather for the happiness of our two-tone, men who must fight against corruption, against waste, against the invisible hands of foreigners, against this form of public administration which targets only a small group of people in the country to the detriment of the population, this form of insecurity planned by the state, the so-called bourgeoisies, economic powers from abroad such as: France, USA, Canada, Brazil. q~Haïti in 1979 with full power. Maître Fevry is said to have declared: The dream of Haïti cannot support, nor accept improvised solutions ~q. The Haitian’s dream must always be a team effort. A team of men of skill, vision, good will, reflection and meditation. q~ Men who can place their personal and private interests over public interests. Men who want to make a new start to achieve the dream of Jean Jacques Dessalines and that of Henri Christophe who aimed that Haitians will not envy any other country in the world so that all Haitians can be happy in their own country, chanted Professor Lesly Saint Roc Manigat.~q Our dear Haiti, which was once the pearl of the Antilles, is no longer present today. For this we ask all Haitians: children, young people, adults and old people, let us unite our arms, our strength, our voices and all that we could do to liberate our dear homeland Haïti Chérie. Let’s change our reality together! Long live Haiti, long live freedom for the whole world.

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History

History

First black nation to free itself from slavery and gain independence from France in 1804 and influenced other liberation movements around the world, inspiring struggles for freedom and equality.

Natural beauty

Natural beauty

Haïti is blessed with spectacular natural landscapes, including white sand beaches, mountains and rich biodiversity.

Heritage

Heritage

Haïti has a rich historical heritage, including sites like the Citadelle Laferrière and the Sans-Souci Palace, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Culture

Culture

Haïti has a rich and diverse culture, influenced by African, European and indigenous elements. Haitian music, dance, art and cuisine are celebrated around the world.

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