Meet St Hilaire Gheslaire

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to St Hilaire Gheslaire. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have St Hilaire with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

My work ethic comes from an insatiable thirst for creation and a deep commitment to the future of art in Haiti. I am ST Hilaire Gheslaire, a painter and artistic director, and every day, I wake up with one mission: to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Perfection and innovation are not just goals for me; they are a way of life. Through digital painting and virtual reality, I strive to rewrite the history of Haitian art, give it a new dimension, and inspire a generation of artists to dream bigger.

Change doesn’t come by waiting—it is built with boldness and perseverance. That’s why I work tirelessly, knowing that every brushstroke, every pixel, every virtual reality experience is a step toward an artistic revolution.

Art is a universal language, and I, ST Hilaire Gheslaire, have chosen to speak it with power, vision, and determination.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

As a painter and Executive Project Director at Expo 17. My work is driven by a clear mission: to elevate Haitian art to the global stage through exhibitions that transcend time and space. I strongly believe that technology is a powerful bridge to connect Haiti with the world while providing local creators with a new, sustainable economic model.

One of our most impactful recent projects is the TAP-TAP Virtual Art Exhibition, an initiative designed to reconnect the Haitian diaspora—many of whom were forced to leave the country due to crises and insecurity—with their artistic and cultural heritage. Through this virtual exhibition, we have created a new way for the diaspora to experience and support Haitian art, allowing them to stay connected to their roots while empowering artists back home.

Looking ahead, we have several exciting initiatives in the works, including the development of our own virtual gallery, which will be accessible to the Ministry of Culture and provide artists with an innovative platform to showcase and sell their work.

Additionally, we are preparing for the upcoming edition of QART Festival, an annual event set for this summer that celebrates contemporary art and technological innovation in the Haitian art scene. This festival, along with many other projects in development, represents our commitment to making Haitian creativity shine on a global scale.

Through it all, my goal remains the same: to break barriers, create opportunities, and make Haitian art an undeniable force in the world.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three key qualities have had the greatest impact on my journey:
1. Vision and Innovation – The ability to see beyond the present and imagine what is possible has been crucial in my work. From bridging Haitian art with technology to creating virtual exhibitions, I’ve always focused on reinventing how art is experienced and consumed. For those just starting, I encourage you to think beyond traditional boundaries. Ask yourself: How can I bring something new to the table? Stay curious, explore emerging technologies, and don’t be afraid to experiment.
2. Resilience and Adaptability – The path of an artist and creative entrepreneur is filled with challenges. Haiti’s economic and political instability, the struggles of local artists, and the evolving digital landscape all require strong resilience. There were moments when doors closed, when projects seemed impossible—but perseverance always led to breakthroughs. My advice? Learn to embrace setbacks as lessons. Be flexible, keep improving, and don’t let obstacles define your journey.
3. Community and Collaboration – Art is not just about creation; it’s about connection. Whether through Expo 17, TAP-TAP Virtual Art Exhibition, or QART Festival, I’ve prioritized building bridges between artists, institutions, and the diaspora. Surround yourself with like-minded people, collaborate, and always look for ways to lift others as you grow. Success is never a solo journey—it thrives in a strong and supportive ecosystem.

For those at the beginning of their path, my biggest advice is to stay passionate, stay committed, and never stop learning. The art world is evolving fast, and those who embrace innovation, resilience, and collaboration will shape its future.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

Over the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been balancing my role as both an artist and a creative director, each complementing the other in shaping my vision for Haitian art and culture.

As a creative director, I have worked to open new doors for Haitian artists and contribute to the development of the cultural sector. Through initiatives like Expo 17 and the TAP-TAP Virtual Art Exhibition, I have focused on creating platforms that bridge local talent with international opportunities, helping redefine how Haitian art is experienced and valued.

At the same time, as an artist, I have continued to push my creative boundaries. I have had the opportunity to collaborate with organizations like NABU and Colgate, using my artistic skills in impactful projects. Additionally, showcasing my work at Art Basel was a milestone, allowing me to bring my vision to a global audience while proudly representing Haiti.

This dual role has strengthened my ability to blend artistic expression with strategic leadership, proving that innovation in the arts is not just about creation, but also about building sustainable pathways for others to follow.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Pic_mackphotography
Faceofhaiti
Culture5media
Vamagazine
Tito.ht
Dukmedia
Vamagazine
Rivalpromos
Olimpack image
Banj

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