Vin Koze avec Raphaël Sagage
“Professional development is very important.”
Raphaël Sagage, a multitalented and well-known Haitian-born British artist, is making a global impact with his vibrant and colorful depiction of the world surrounding him.
Raphaël’s talent is innate. From a very young age, his curiosity led to his exploration of the arts with his father’s friend, who was a sculptor. He started making silhouettes using mud from the mountain. This taught him a sense of self-discipline at an early stage.
At seven years old, when he started primary school, Raphaël explored free-hand and mind drawing. From that time up to 22 years old, Raphaël was self-taught, using the summer vacations to hone his creativity.
In 1992 Raphaël Sagage enrolled at ENARTS (Ecole National des Arts in Haiti), where his talent enabled him to teach while studying. At that time, he was already well known, selling his art worldwide to well-established private and corporate collectors.
Having established himself as an artist in Haiti and convinced he could forge an international career from his passion for the arts, he moved to the United States. It was the beginning of a new chapter in his life and work. He received several awards, including “The United Nations Best Artist Award” and “The Best review from Christie’s and Sotheby’s Auction House.”
Raphaël’s inspiration originates from the object of everyday life and the surrounding nature. His pictorial techniques tend towards surrealism and abstract realism. Mixing cubism with his expressionistic work, using an array of experimental techniques supported by more traditional ones, Raphael is known as the master of abstract realism.
Although his work has been adapted to appeal to a more westernized audience, his attachment to his motherland can be felt through his use of vibrant colors and transmitted emotions. His philosophical approach revolves around themes such as love, happiness, fear…
A more personable aspect of our Vin Koze Guest Raphaël Sagage
- Tell us about yourself.
My connection with art started at a very young age. I love painting because it is a colorful display of realities, thoughts, and feelings.
- Tell us about your interests, hobbies, and what you like to do for fun.
Art has always been my hobby.
- When making career decisions, what matters most to you?
Professional development is very important. There are tons of free resources available in print and online; taking advantage of them is important. Networking with the right people and groups will help you advance your career.
- What is “art” to you?
Art is the expression of the soul.
- What is one piece of advice your parents gave you that has stuck with you?
To love one another. Without love, we will be lost.
- Favorite childhood game(s)?
Dominoes used to be my favorite game when I was a child.
- Favorite Haitian snack(s)?
Dous Makos. I have a sweet tooth, so that’s my favorite snack.
- Favorite Haitian dish(es)?
Soup Joumou is my favorite Haitian dish. I will always welcome a large bowl of Soup Joumou any day of the week.
How to contact Raphaël Sagage
Website address: www.gallerysagage.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/rsagage
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raphaelsagage/
Recognitions – Raphaël Sagage
- Award of Merit/ Best New Artist: Individual Artist of Oklahoma: Not So Silent Night – November 10, 2001. Oklahoma City, OK
- Raphael Sagage Day Proclamation – August 9, 1996. Atlanta, Georgia.
- Best Review from Christie’s & Sotheby’s Auction House. New York 1995
- United Nations Best Artist Award: Commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. “Revolution” 1988. New York, NY
Exhibitions – Raphaël Sagage
- “Jazz Series,” Jazz Art and Cafe Schilpluidelaan, Amsterdam – January 2019 – 2020
- “Jazz Series,” Lafate Gallery, Wilmington, Delaware – March 2019
- “Visual Jazz Interpretation,” Home to Harlem Art Gallery, Harlem, New York – June 2019
- JonaQuest Art, London, United Kingdom – January 2018
- “Jazz Series,” Galerie Au Temps Qui Pass, Genolier, Switzerland – August 2016
- “Soiree Jazz” Liege, Belgique – January 2016
- Bishop’s Stortford Museum, Bishop’s Stortford, UK
- The Tudor House Gallery, Sawbridgeworth, UK – July 2015
- “Jazz As Artists See It,” Gibberd Gallery, Harlow, Essex, UK – April 2015
- “All That Jazz,” The Lona Gallery, Buford, GA – February 2015
- “Blue Note#1”, Chelsea, London – July 2014
- “Jazz Series,” Datchworth Art Gallery, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom – April 2014
- “Jazz Series,” Eastgate Gallery, Harlow, Essex, UK – January 2014
- Art on the Wall ( Jazz Series), City Hall, Snellville, GA – August 2013
- Jazz Series, Cobble Creek Gallery and Studio, Snellville, GA – July 2013
- Gallery Of Caribbean Art, St Peter, Barbados – November 2012
- Atlanta 2012, Indigo Hotel, Atlanta, GA – June 30, 2012
- “Gout et Couleurs” Consulate General of Haiti at Art Space International, Atlanta, GA – December 2011
- “Caliente,” Tannery Row Artist Colony, Buford, GA – September 2011
- “The Birth of a Legacy,” Savannah Fine Art Gallery – September 2011
- Jazz Greats And Female Form, Snellville, GA – September 2011
- Art Atlanta Hammond House, Atlanta, GA – April 2011
- Plein Air Fest, Tannery Row, Buford, GA – April 2011
- Ashwell Gallery, Ashwell, Hertfordshire, UK – August 2010
- Glasgow Art Fair, Scotland, UK – March 2010
- Duluth Art Gallery, Duluth, GA – December 2009
- Art Quake, Regency Fine Art, Norcross, GA – September 2009
- Art in Nature, Eardisland, Herefordshire, UK – September 2009
- Arte Gallery, Hereford, UK, – August 2009
- The Paint Box Gallery, Worcester, UK – August 2009
- Art Original Gallery, Bristol, UK – July 2009
- The Great Atlantic Gallery, Monmouth, Wales, UK – June 2009
- Fine art UK Gallery “Spring Exhibition” Ledbury, UK – April 2009
- Tindal Wave Gallery, Hereford, UK – January 2009
- Brooklyn Waterfront Artist Coalition, ” Free Fall” – October 2008
- Salt Marsh Alliance, “Nature” – August 2008
- Brooklyn Waterfront Artist Coalition, “Hot Art” Brooklyn, NY – July 26, 2008
- Dacula Arts Festival, Dacula, Georgia – May 2008
- Buford Arts Festival, Buford, Georgia – May 2008
- Snellville Fine Art Gallery, “Southern Shrimping,” Snellville, Georgia – March 2008
- Giovair’s Art Gallery, “Southern Shrimping” – August 2007
- La Belle Art Gallery, Essence Festival Slavery in the South, New Orleans, LA – July 2007
- Magnolia Art Gallery, Faces of the South – Gautier, MS, June 2007
- Negrotto Art Gallery: Shrimping, Biloxi, MS, – April 2007
- Whistle Stop Art Gallery, Faces of the South, Ocean Spring, MS – March 2007
- Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA – May 2006
- Sheraton Studio Hotel, Creole Night, Orlando, FL – April 29, 2006
- Hammond House Museum Masterful Mix, Atlanta, GA, – April 30, 2006
- Douglasville Cultural Arts Center: Artists in Atlanta, Atlanta, GA – February 09, 2006
- Individual Artist of Oklahoma: Defying and Defining, Oklahoma City, OK – December 04, 2005
- Stage Center: Inclusion in Art Exhibition, Oklahoma City, OK – June 23, 2005
- National Cowboy Heritage: AC Hamlin Exhibition, Oklahoma City, OK – May 10, 2005
- Individual Artist of Oklahoma: Biting the Apple, Oklahoma City, OK – March 4, 2005
- Individual Artist of Oklahoma: Devotion, Oklahoma City, OK – February 03, 2003
- Individual Artist of Oklahoma: Biting Apple, Oklahoma City, OK – March 2001
- 50 Penn Place Gallery For The Love of Art -.Oklahoma City, OK – June 23, 2000
- Broward Center for Performing Arts: Soiree D’elegance, Fort – Lauderdale, FL – October 08, 1999
- Exhibit with Cuban American Artist, Miami, FL – August 1999
- Exhibit at Galleria Antigua, Inc. African and African American Art: Isangoma, Biscayne, Miami, FL – October 17, 1998
- Exhibit with South African Artists: Sylvia De Villiers, Paul Dykman, Karin Mervis, Alan Ainslie, Paul Botes: Serenades, Alpharetta, GA – March 11, 1998
- Exhibit at: “The Industry” An Olympic Vision Cheshire Bridge, Atlanta, GA – August 1996
Public Collection:
- Museum of Coyoacan, Mexico 1994
- Mural CFSDA Church, Oklahoma City, OK – 2004
- Mural Mapou Cultural Center, Miami, FL – 1998
Personal Collection:
- Felix Morisseau Leroy, renowned Haitian writer, Miami, FL – November 1998
- Miami Dade County Commissioner Barbara Carey Shuller, Miami, FL – October 22, 1998
- Evander Hollyfield: Mayor Mask Ball, Atlanta, GA – December 1997
- Senator Max Cleland: Georgia Journal, Atlanta – March 1997
- Ted Turner: Trumpet Award, Atlanta, Georgi – January 1997
- Portrait of Andrew Young, Bill Campbell, Maynard Jackson: The Three Mayors, Atlanta, GA – August 1996
- Jackson Children’s Hospital, South Miami, FL – August 25 to 28, 1998
Education
National School of Arts, Haiti
