Seresier Louisjuste

Place: Croix-Des-Bouquets

Born: 1952

Biography:

Sérésier Louisjuste is a Haitian artist born in 1952 in Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti. He is known for his folk art and metal sculpture. Louisjuste was trained by the famous artist Georges Liautaud, who is considered the originator of Haitian metals. Along with his brothers Janvier and Joseph, Louisjuste was instrumental in continuing the legacy of their instructor by teaching younger generations of metal artists working in Croix-des-Bouquets. Their work has been exhibited in various galleries in Haiti and the United States. Haitian metal art is crafted by hand using recycled steel shipping drums. The imagery is often inspired by Haitian Vodou (voodoo) practices and beliefs, as well as featuring nature and animal motifs. The art of Haitian Vodou combines elements from its West African roots with the iconography of Catholicism and with modern heroes and traditions. For instance, the loa (Vodou divinity) Erzulie Freda is often portrayed similarly to the Virgin Mary as 'Our Lady of Sorrows' and the loa Ogoun shares traits with St. James.