Haitian-born painter Chantal Gesse brings Caribbean colour to her art from Harlem
The oil and acrylic artist, whose work has appeared in Paramount films, recently exhibited at a heritage show at Queens Museum.
NEW YORK, United States. Oil and acrylic painter Chantal Gesse knew from a young age, growing up in Haiti, that she would one day be known for her creativity. She was captivated by the tropical surroundings that inspired her to bring colourful images to life.
By the age of 11, art had become the centre of her life after she moved with her parents to Harlem, where her inventiveness grew. She has since exhibited at the Harlem Fine Art Show, Art Expo and Fashion Week Brooklyn.
Her work has featured in Paramount Pictures films including “Boomerang” and “A Bronx Tale”, and can be seen in restaurants across New York City. It was also included in a Women’s Heritage Month exhibition at Resorts World NYC.
The vibrancy of the Caribbean
Ms Gesse told Caribbean Life at a recent heritage exhibition at Queens Museum that she brings the vibrancy of the Caribbean, which still inspires her, to her work.
Her Haitian roots shape her colourful palette, along with travels to Europe, Iceland and Africa. Her impressionistic works, from intricate tree landscapes to majestic human figures, aim to evoke a wide range of emotions, she said.
She sees painting as a form of meditation. “It keeps me fulfilled somehow. I go into the fourth dimension of creativity, and my mind helps me to feel free,” she said.
Harlem inspiration
Ms Gesse, whose work is also displayed at the African American museum, describes her inspiration as a connection to colour, and her painting as an addictive, life-affirming endeavour, according to her website. Her goal, she said, is to draw viewers beyond the surface, “inviting them to explore their associations and emotions.”
Her hair-braiding series reflects the urban life around her. “Whenever I get my hair braided at an African salon in Harlem, I observe the hard work the woman does, and I just thought I would portray that in honor of what they do every day,” she said.
Having created for more than 10 years across art spaces, she credits her talent and creative outlet to her upbringing.
