Gérard Fortuné, born in 1925, began painting in 1978 and quickly became one of Haiti’s most beloved self-taught artists. A houngan (Vodou priest), pastry chef, and painter, Fortuné gained recognition when art critic Selden Rodman featured his vibrant work in Where Art Is Joy. His colorful and expressive paintings celebrate Haitian life, spirituality, and folklore, capturing both sacred and everyday scenes with charm and spontaneity. Fortuné’s art has been exhibited internationally and is included in significant permanent collections such as the Waterloo Museum of Art in Iowa and Ramapo College in New Jersey. His works remain highly sought after by collectors of Haitian art worldwide. Gérard Fortuné passed away in 2019, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a key figure in 20th-century Haitian art.