about the artist

Christian Michel was born on June of 1949 in the northern area of Cadouche, near Cap-Haïtien, Haiti. In 1970, a very well-respected native painter, Mr. Charles Anatole, recognized his talent, befriended him and took a special interest in his development in the technique of oil painting and became his mentor. Under Mr. Anatole’s guidance, Michel developed his personal style of painting. His style encompasses the use of vibrant saturated colors, subjects in motion and the subtle use of humor.

Upon arriving to the United States in the winter of 1979 to pursue his artistic career, Michel began to put his love, for art, to work. By 1982, he showed his first collection with the Brooklyn Arts Council, later receiving the Best in Show Award. Within 2 decades, Michel went on to receive various awards and grants, showing in exhibitions both nationally and internationally with features in respected publications like The New York Times, The New Yorker, Philadelphia Inquirer and more.

After about 3 decades, Michel continues to paint in his studio in a small town outside of Tampa, Florida after raising 5 children with his wife, Lourde Michel. After nearly 17 years on hiatus from exhibiting his pieces, Christian Michel has returned to the art scene bringing forth new inspiration and beloved classic pieces that are influenced by the Haitian culture, family values, religious themes and political commentary.

ARTISTIC CREDITS

1971 Robinson Gallery, Cap-Haitian, Haiti

1974 Duffaud Gallery, Port-Au-Prince, Haiti

1976 Art Show sponsored by A.A.P.N. Cap-Haitian, Haiti Third Prize

1977 Belizaire Gallery, Cap-Haitian, Haiti

1980 Seven Artists celebrated A.A.P.N. Cap-Haitian, Haiti First Prize

1981 Nehemie Gallery, Port-Au-Prince, Haiti

1982 Brooklyn Arts Council, Brooklyn, NY

1987 Brooklyn Arts Council Brooklyn, NY Best in Show Award

1987 Traveling Exhibition throughout New York City

1988 York College, Queen, NY

1988 Brooklyn Arts Council Juries Show, Brooklyn, NY First Prize

1989 Cross Section African American and Caribbean Fine Arts, BK,

1991 Arts in Public Place/ Arts Commission, Washington State, WA

1992 Carvin-Morris Gallery, New York, NY

1993 Arts in City Hall, Philadelphia, Pa

1994 Flowers Power Show in City Hall, Philadelphia, Pa

1994 The William Penn Charter School, Philadelphia, Pa

1994 Alliance des Amis Haitians, Philadelphia, Pa

1994 H.O.M.E. Philadelphia, Pa

1994 Cavin-Morris Gallery, New York, NY

1995 Cavin-Morris Gallery, New York, NY

1995 Beyond Borders Arts in City Hall, Philadelphia, Pa

1996 Carlos Gallery, Miami, FL

1996 Cosmopolitan Club, Philadelphia, Pa

1996 Southwest Community Arts Center, Philadelphia, Pa

1996 Davidson Arts Gallery, Seattle, WA

1996 Temple University, Philadelphia, Pa

1996 Cultural Arts Center, Camden, NJ

1996 Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, Pa

1996 Noyes Museum, Oceanville, NJ

1998 Levy Gallery for the Arts, Philadelphia, Pa

2001 City Hall on 100 Celebration, Philadelphia, Pa

2001 Artist’s House, Tel Aviv, Israel


FELLOWSHIPS

1993 PEW Fellowships in the Arts, Philadelphia, Pa

1994 Pennsylvania Council in the Arts, Harrisburg, Pa

1995 The Pollock-Krasner Foundation Inc., New York, NY


COMMISSIONS AND COLLECTIONS

1986 Jay College, Brooklyn, NY

1988 Medgar-Evers College, Brooklyn, NY

1990 Arts in Public Place, Washington, WA

1992-93 Posters series sold throughout Eastern United States

1994 Tacoma School District, Tacoma, WA

1995 Kent School District, Kent, WA