Charles Obas

1927-1969

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Charles Obas was born in Plaisance, a mountainous region in the northern part of Haiti.  He joined the Centre D’Art in the late 1940s, but left after two years to help form the Foyer des Arts Plastiques in 1950.  He won first prize in a contest sponsored by the National Office of Tourism in 1958.  

In addition to his artistic talent, Obas was also an equally accomplished musician.

Obas’ paintings are known for their beautiful renderings of rain.  Some see his works as allegories depicting the harsh realities and struggles of living under the oppressive Duvalier regime.  Cowering or burdened villagers, rainstorms, turbulent harbors, and ominous nocturnes are some of his most enduring motifs.  His courage and artistic style was wholly unique as he eschewed the optimistic perspective, and bright, cheerful color palettes of most of his Haitian compatriots.

According to his son, Obas was outraged by the execution of his cousin on the orders of Duvalier, and went directly to the National Palace to protest this injustice.  Although Duvalier knew Obas personally, and owned several of his paintings, he viewed Obas as an assassin when he arrived.  Obas was taken into custody, and was never heard from again. 

Chicago Gallery of Haitian Art