Jean Amil Augustin, born in Les Cayes, Haiti, in 1974, is a celebrated Haitian painter known for blending dreamlike visions with vibrant depictions of daily life. From childhood, he felt destined to be an artist, often saying, “I was born an artist; I often find my inspiration in dreams.” His career began with handcrafted metal art before discovering his true passion for painting. In Port-au-Prince, he worked at the “Mimi” studio while refining his self-taught techniques. In 1999, he moved to the Dominican Republic and collaborated with fellow artists in Las Terrenas. Since 2002, Augustin has lived and worked in Basel, Switzerland, continuing his career as an independent artist, while returning to Haiti in 2017 to reconnect with his roots. Jean Amil Augustin’s paintings explore themes of memory, identity, and the contrasts of joy and sorrow. Using acrylic on canvas, he creates works that merge reality with dreamscapes, balancing vibrant Caribbean colors with darker, introspective tones. His art is deeply inspired by Haiti yet also reflects his European experiences, resulting in a unique fusion of cultural perspectives. Influenced by surrealism, abstract expressionism, semi-abstract, and figurative art, Augustin’s style is diverse and expressive. At times, he also embraces naïve art, a style encouraged during his years in Switzerland. He often describes himself as a “journalist” of emotions and society, using painting to capture how he perceives and feels about the world. Jean Amil Augustin remains an essential figure in contemporary Haitian art, recognized for his versatility, authenticity, and ability to merge personal storytelling with universal themes.
Sign in to your account
Sign up
Forgot your password?
No problem! Enter your email and we'll send you instructions to reset it.