Prosper Pierre-Louis was born 79 years ago in Bainet
79 years ago, on October 12, 1947, Prosper Pierre-Louis was born in Bainet, near Jacmel. A self-taught painter, he was one of the main artists of the Saint Soleil movement, known for his paintings of spirits and Vodou lwa.
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By NAGO News
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A youth between drums and ceremonies
He did not attend school, but taught himself the drum and the violin. As a child, he helped his father, a houngan, prepare for Vodou ceremonies. At age 16, he left for Port-au-Prince, where he worked a succession of odd jobs.
The Saint Soleil adventure
While working as a waiter at Maud Robard's place, he joined the Saint Soleil community, created by her and Jean-Claude Garoute. This group brought together impoverished artists: singers, dancers, artisans, and painters. He followed Maud Robard to Soisson-la-Montagne, above LaBoule, and became the community's most prominent painter. After the group dissolved in 1978, he formed the "Cinq Soleils" collective alongside Levoy Exil, Denis Smith, Dieuseul Paul, and Louisiane Saint Fleurant.
An interrupted body of work
Over the years, his technique evolved significantly, and he became a respected member of the artistic community. An asthma attack carried him away in November 1997. His canvases were sold to support the Albert Schweitzer Hospital in Deschapelles, and some are featured in the collection of Prince Olivier Doria d'Angri.
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