Gérard Fortuné (1925–2019) was a self-taught Haitian painter who began his artistic career in 1978 and quickly became one of Haiti’s most widely recognized naïve artists. Born in Pétion-Ville, Haiti, Fortuné balanced multiple vocations throughout his life, working as a houngan (Vodou priest), pastry chef, and painter—roles that deeply informed the spiritual and communal themes of his work.Fortuné gained international recognition after art critic Selden Rodman featured his paintings in Where Art Is Joy, drawing attention to his vibrant visual language and imaginative compositions. His paintings are characterized by bright color, lively rhythm, and a spontaneous narrative quality, depicting Haitian folklore, Vodou spirituality, celebrations, and scenes of everyday life with warmth and humor. His work has been exhibited internationally and is held in significant permanent collections, including the Waterloo Center for the Arts in Iowa and Ramapo College in New Jersey. Fortuné is widely collected for his distinctive contribution to modern Haitian naïve painting and for the authenticity of his vision, which bridges sacred and secular life. He remains an important figure in twentieth-century Haitian art history.