Expressions Art Gallery is one of the few galleries still operating in Haiti, in a context marked by multiple and persistent crises. How does it manage to maintain its activities despite these challenges?
The Art Center.- In July 1991, you founded Expressions Art Gallery with your wife Khatia. This was, let’s remember, eight months after the country’s first democratic elections, which fueled hopes for profound change. What motivated you to make this choice at that precise moment?
Habib Jiha.- Haiti is a country that produces a huge number of artists, who need representation to continue evolving. In 1991, the post-election political and social context promised profound change and cultural renewal, bringing a wave of hope for the entire country. My wife Khatia and I shared a common entrepreneurial vision for the gallery, as well as a passion for Haitian art. We therefore decided to found Expressions Galerie d’Art to promote local talent and develop a more active and dynamic artistic community, organizing cultural events and exhibitions nationally and internationally.
The Art Center: What memories do you have of the gallery’s early days? What was the Haitian art scene like at that time?
Habib Jiha.- At that time, Haiti was already experiencing a decline on the international scene due to political problems, which significantly reduced the number of tourists. However, despite this, we had an active diplomatic mission and members of international organizations based in Haiti, who were very interested in Haitian culture and always responded to all invitations to exhibitions or cultural events. Moreover, Haitian society, noting the international interest in local art, was beginning to better understand and appreciate Haitian culture. The political situation, although difficult, greatly inspired artists, who became more prolific.
The Art Center.- How did you perceive, at that time, the role and relevance of galleries in the Haitian artistic ecosystem?
Habib Jiha.- Art galleries in Haiti numbered in the dozens and played a crucial role in the artistic ecosystem by promoting artists. Exhibiting in an art gallery was a must for an artist: it was the main way to showcase their talent. The artistic community was vibrant, and cultural exchanges multiplied. Galleries stimulated creativity, developed the art market, and offered national and international visibility to Haitian art, while promoting its value.
The Art Center.- Barely two months after opening your gallery, the country plunged back into instability: a coup d’état, an embargo, and widespread violence. How did you experience this sudden disruption? What were the immediate impacts on your business and your vision for the Expressions project?
Habib Jiha.- It was a huge challenge! The country’s political and economic situation had changed drastically in a very short time. Just two months after the gallery’s successful opening, the country descended into violence and political instability. The embargo and widespread violence created a climate of fear and uncertainty. We didn’t know what would happen next. We had to temporarily close the gallery to ensure the safety of our employees and artists. The embargo and insecurity significantly reduced the visibility of the gallery and Haitian art in general. We had to reevaluate our vision and goals to adapt our project to this new reality.
The Art Center.- For nearly four decades before the creation of Expressions Art Gallery, galleries had become key players in artistic life, acting as intermediaries between artists and collectors, while ensuring the visibility, marketing, and promotion—both local and international—of works. How would you describe the evolution of Expressions’ relationship with artists over the years?
Habib Jiha – Expressions Art Gallery has maintained, over the years, a privileged relationship with artists, based on trust, creativity, and a passion for Haitian art. We have always sought to understand and support artists in their creative process, offering them a space to exhibit their works without ever influencing them, and helping them develop their careers. We have provided them with a framework to experiment and innovate, while giving them the freedom to create and express themselves.
Expressions Art Gallery
Over the years, we have seen them evolve and grow, and we have been proud to play a role in their development. In this process, we have constantly adapted our approach to meet the changing needs of artists and the art market. We maintain loyal and faithful relationships with artists, supporting them through the ups and downs of their careers.
Some artists, like Michèle Manuel, granted us exclusivity on their works, allowing us to represent them exclusively. This strengthened our partnership and our commitment to promoting their art.
The Art Center.- Galleries have long been a vital economic pillar for Haitian artists. Do you share this view? How has this economic role translated into your experience with Expressions Art Gallery?
Habib Jiha.- Yes, I completely agree. Galleries have indeed played a crucial economic role for Haitian artists by providing them with a platform to exhibit and sell their works. It was an almost obligatory step for artists who wanted to exhibit and sell their creations, in order to have their value recognized, which allowed them to earn a living and develop their careers.
At Expressions Art Gallery, we offer flexibility to artists by allowing them to choose between selling their works directly to the gallery or exhibiting them on consignment, which allows them to retain ownership of their works until their sale.
The Art Center.- How do you see the evolution of the role of galleries, from the 1990s to 2015, compared to today?
Habib Jiha.- Today, the role of galleries has evolved compared to the period 1990-2015. Artists can now promote their works online through social media and art sales platforms, allowing them to reach a wider audience and gain exposure without relying solely on galleries. They can also exhibit their works in non-traditional venues such as festivals, public events, museums, or contemporary art centers.
Galleries must adapt to these new business models, including online sales and reduced commissions. However, they continue to play an important role in the art world by selecting and promoting quality artists, helping to maintain a high level of excellence. They provide a physical space where visitors can discover and appreciate works in an immersive way. Furthermore, through their networks and contacts in the art world, they can help artists access new opportunities and develop their careers.
In summary, while the role of galleries has evolved, they remain essential in offering expertise, physical space and opportunities to artists.
The Art Center.- How have the crises in Haiti affected your work, and more broadly, the relationship between the gallery and the artists?
Habib Jiha.- The arts sector in Haiti is facing numerous challenges related to the multiple crises the country is going through. Expressions Art Gallery has been particularly hard hit, with temporary closures, reduced operating hours, and a significant drop in art sales on the local market. Artists themselves have also been hit hard: difficulties accessing essential materials, falling sales, forced displacement, or the cessation of their production. Some have even lost their homes and all their possessions due to gang violence. Others have had to seek a better life abroad, abandoning their artistic activity to survive.
Faced with these challenges, Expressions Galerie d’Art has been able to innovate and find creative solutions to ensure its survival. By investing in new technologies, we have created an online site ( www.expressionsgaleriedart.com ) that allows us to continue supporting artists and promoting their talents internationally, despite the many obstacles.
Expressions Art Gallery.
However, logistical problems persist, such as the unpredictability of the situation, the closure of the airport and the suspension of flights, complicating the transport of works abroad and extending delivery times, sometimes beyond a month, which can discourage some potential customers.
Despite everything, we remain optimistic and are convinced that Haitian art, rich and vibrant, has immense potential and will continue to be an exceptional cultural ambassador for Haiti. We remain confident in a promising future.
The Art Center: Would you say that collectors’ and the public’s interest in Haitian art has evolved in recent years?
Habib Jiha.- Haitian art continues to be highly valued at auctions, helping to maintain its international appeal and popularity. Haitian works are often sought after by collectors and museums around the world, a testament to their artistic and cultural value. Auctions are an important indicator of the market value of Haitian art, and some pieces can command very high prices. This demonstrates that Haitian art is perceived as a safe bet, and that collectors are willing to invest in these works.
Interest in Haitian art can, however, vary depending on several factors, including the country’s political and economic situation, the visibility of Haitian artists on the international scene, and evolving global artistic trends. However, it is clear that Haitian art has always been appreciated for its cultural richness and creativity. Collectors are attracted by the diversity of styles, themes, and techniques employed by Haitian artists.
It should also be noted that efforts to promote and disseminate Haitian art online, exhibitions abroad, international festivals and publications actively contribute to maintaining and strengthening interest in this art.
The Art Center.- What role can galleries still play today in improving the economic conditions of artists in Haiti?
Habib Jiha.- Despite the difficult situation, we are doing everything we can to continue purchasing works by Haitian artists, in order to support them financially and encourage their artistic practice. We also represent them internationally through our online site ( www.expressionsgaleriedart.com ) and actively continue promoting their work through our digital platforms and social networks.
Furthermore, we support artistic organizations and participate in development projects in the field of art abroad, in order to strengthen the visibility of Haitian creation and contribute to its influence on an international scale.
Does the Art Center – Expressions Art Gallery still work with emerging artists today? If so, how do you support their development?
Habib Jiha – Expressions Art Gallery remains firmly committed to discovering and promoting new talent. We regularly receive portfolios from emerging artists interested in exhibiting in our physical space or through our online gallery. True to our mission, we will continue to support them by offering them a platform for visibility, while providing personalized advice for the development of their careers and the evolution of their artistic practice. Through this support, we affirm our desire to actively contribute to the vitality and renewal of the Haitian art scene.
The Art Center.- In your opinion, what would be the essential levers for relaunching a more viable and sustainable artistic economy in Haiti?
Habib Jiha.- Sustainable security and stability are essential prerequisites for the development of a viable arts economy in Haiti. Without security, it is difficult, if not impossible, to create the conditions necessary for art and culture to flourish. Cultural infrastructure, such as art galleries and museums, struggle to function in an environment marked by instability. Furthermore, investors and donors are reluctant to support artistic initiatives in an uncertain context, which significantly hinders funding and growth opportunities. The promotion and influence of Haitian art, both locally and internationally, are also compromised in such a climate. It is therefore urgent to make security a national priority to enable art and culture to fully play their role in the reconstruction and development of the country.
The Art Center.- What message would you like to send to the new generation of Haitian artists seeking to emerge on the artistic scene, both locally and internationally?
Habib Jiha.- To the new generation of Haitian artists, I say: persevere and stay true to your vision and originality. Continue to proudly embody Haitian culture, promoting the traditions and values that make our country so rich. Invest time and energy in developing your skills and refining your unique style, while remaining open to collaborative opportunities. The art world is constantly evolving, so it’s crucial to be resilient and adaptable in the face of change. Don’t hesitate to take full advantage of social media and online platforms to promote your work and reach a wider audience. This is how you can carve out a lasting place for yourself in the art world, while enriching Haitian culture with your talent.