Homage to Frankétienne : A Celebration of Dreams and Creativity
Franketienne painting 1995
“My work is chaos. My work is mystery. My work is Haiti.”
We’re all feeling a heavy heart with the news of Frankétienne’s passing. I learned about the passing of this remarkable figure in Haitian culture yesterday while teaching a cooking class. Some of the ladies even mixed up a drink in his honor, raising a glass to celebrate his vibrant spirit! Frankétienne wasn’t just an author, poet, and painter—he was a brilliant thinker who beautifully captured the richness of our culture.
His words, “To dream is already to be free,” serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of dreaming in our lives. For Frankétienne, dreaming was much more than an escape; it was a daring act of rebellion! In a country grappling with challenges, dreaming empowers us and opens our eyes to a future filled with possibilities. While he took refuge in the realm of imagination, he showed us that even during the hardest times, our minds could lead us to extraordinary places.
Frankétienne’s incredible body of work—both written and visual—encouraged us to embrace our originality and value our unique perspectives. He believed that the journey to meaningful change begins within us, and dreaming is the crucial first step toward achieving it. As he expressed, “My work is chaos. My work is mystery. My work is Haiti.” This sentiment reflects his deep connection to our homeland and its complexities.
His legacy is truly monumental! As a poet, playwright, novelist, painter, and actor, he was a giant in Haitian literature, producing over thirty works in both French and Creole, and over a thousand paintings. His masterpiece, Dézafi, is a must-read—one I definitely need to add to my reading list. It seamlessly blends genres and courageously addresses oppression while shining a light on the struggles faced by many.
Frankétienne was a visionary who founded Spiralism, a vibrant movement that celebrates creativity through original writing. He was truly a masterpiece in his own right, commensurate with the love he had for our country, Haiti, and one of the most influential Creole-speaking writers of the 20th century! In 2010, he was recognized as a UNESCO Artist for Peace.
He beautifully shared, “Creation is an odyssey with no stopovers,” and you can truly feel this excitement in his unwavering dedication. His skillful use of language and deep ties to contemporary Haitian history give his work a wonderful depth, captivating readers all around. I often catch myself wishing I could enjoy a moment with him over a warm cup of coffee, exploring our country, his art, and those intriguing spiraling ideas of his.
At my restaurant, I have a cocktail menu that pays tribute to the great minds of Haitian literature. In his honor, I shall introduce a drink named Dézafi! This cocktail will serve as a heartfelt toast to his memory and the vibrant spirit he brought to the world.
Frankétienne’s artwork tells captivating stories! Just as his words transport you to magical realms, his paintings draw you in, inviting you to explore a world filled with profound emotions. He employed symbolic imagery featuring characters and motifs from Haitian folklore, encouraging us to reflect on their personal meanings.
I feel especially blessed to own one of his priceless pieces, gifted to us by a dear friend. His art, much like his writing, reminds us that creation is a bold act of defiance and a beautiful pathway to liberation! Each piece is bursting with energy, showcasing the beauty of Haitian culture through vibrant colors and poetic imagery. You can feel his connection to the human experience in every brushstroke, illustrating themes of resilience, hope, and the beauty that can emerge even in tough times. His style is as lively as his writing, weaving together surrealism and folkloric elements that resonate deeply with Haiti’s spirit.
As we bid farewell to Frankétienne, let’s carry his powerful message with us: dreaming paves the way for a more just and beautiful world. May his extraordinary legacy continue to inspire us to nurture our dreams and turn them into reality. May he continue to remind us that we all have the power to make a difference, and that to dream is to embrace hope and growth. That’s the best way to honor his memory. Though this is a somber moment, let’s focus on celebrating his life and enduring message.
Thank you, Frankétienne, for everything you’ve given us. Your dream of a better Haiti will forever shine in our hearts! Here’s to you, with a glass of Dézafi raised high!