Nephertary
Year of birth: April 6 2001
Where do you live: Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Your education: Self-taught artist with influences from growing up around the art world
Describe your art in three words: Emotional, cultural, thought-provoking
Your discipline: Acrylic painting on canvas
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Nephertary | Echo of Unity | 2024
Can you tell us about your early experiences with art and how your mother’s influence shaped your artistic journey?
Art has always been a part of my life. Growing up, my mother was an art dealer, so I was surrounded by vibrant Haitian paintings, sculptures, and artists themselves. Watching her curate and share art sparked something in me. As a child, I would spend hours sketching and experimenting, but it wasn’t until later, during Haiti’s peyi lòk periods, that I truly reconnected with painting. Being confined at home pushed me to channel my emotions and thoughts into art, and that passion has only grown stronger.
How has the socio-political climate in Haiti influenced your creative process and the themes in your work?
Haiti’s socio-political challenges deeply shape my work. The resilience and spirit of the Haitian people inspire me daily, even amidst struggles. My paintings often reflect the collective emotions of hope, despair, and endurance that I see around me. Art becomes my way of processing these experiences and sharing our stories with the world. It’s also a way to reclaim the beauty and strength of Haitian culture despite the chaos.
Nephertary | Gran Bwa | 2024
Your art incorporates Haitian Vodou symbolism. What role does spirituality play in your creative expression?
Spirituality is at the heart of my work. Haitian Vodou is not just a religion—it’s a connection to our history, identity, and ancestors. When I paint lwa like Ezili Freda or Gran Bwa, I’m not just portraying spirits; I’m exploring themes of love, wisdom, and humanity’s connection to nature. For me, spirituality offers a lens to reflect on universal human experiences and emotions.
Nephertary | Ezili Dantò | 2024
What does resilience mean to you, and how do you convey it through your art?
Resilience is about finding strength in vulnerability and beauty in adversity. For me, it’s the ability to create and express even when life feels uncertain or overwhelming. I convey resilience in my art by blending themes of struggle with hope—whether it’s through bold colors, layered textures, or symbols that speak to endurance and renewal.
Could you share the story behind one of your favorite pieces in this series?
One of my favorite pieces is “Dantò”—it’s inspired by Ezili Dantò, a lwa symbolizing unconditional love, protection, and healing. The piece radiates warmth and safety, much like a mother’s embrace. It was deeply personal to create because it made me reflect on the universal need for comfort and the power of love to heal. Every stroke in that painting felt like a tribute to resilience and nurturing energy.
Nephertary | Ezili Freda | 2024
How do you balance traditional Haitian cultural elements with modern artistic aesthetics in your work?
Nephertary | Peyi Lòk | 2024
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