"Naderson Saint Pierre: Fearless Creation, Unstoppable Journey"
Photography by; @Bleupablo
It takes a different level of vision and tenacity to migrate from your comfort zone into a high risk yet adventurous life. A deep dissatisfaction with the idea of monotony, and persistent call for change. Most artists are naturally rebellious, but this one in particular, creates as if every single day of life is his last.
Naderson Saint Pierre born in Gonaives, Haiti has such an interesting perspective when observing people. A deep thinker you’ll rarely find him speaking in a room unless he’s describing his work. He prefers watching and listening to others to better understand how we as humans interact and form relationships and build community. Based off his observations he creates works, inspired by identity, relationships, social and political issues.
I’ve had the privilege of seeing Naderson adapt to life in New York for the past two years, and has journey most definitely has not been an easy one. But his drive has never faltered nor has his vision been obscured. In fact, with every single setback, he bounced back harder with more determination, adversity and affirmation that he was headed on the right path.
When I first met Naderson Saint Pierre it was during a group exhibition at Basquiat’s Bottle, entitled Basquiat Lives curated by Danero Elle. The exhibition featured the works of Watson Mere Doudgy “Dew” Charmant and Naderson Saint Pierre paying homage to Basquiat, by way of three talented Haitian artists. Well curated in a black owned events venue, exhibition was accompanied with an artist talk, where we were able to hear the purpose and drive behind each individual Artist, and what motivated them to create.
Naderson is motivated and influenced by self improvement and personal growth. His own journey with self improvement was motivated by his craft. Delving into his craft he was able to fully appreciate his life by way of the artistic therapy that painting provided him. He says:
“As an artist, there is no greater pleasure for me than finding genuine growth and improvement in my projects. As I have grown and matured, so has my art. My priority is to create a better understanding and address the elephant in the room. Political and other social issues. As an artist, I alone cannot change society for the better, but I can only transform my own consciousness into my work to inspire others. The goal is to add a little seed of love, unity, and peace within everyone. “
“The Lady in the Hot Shower” Acrylic on Canvas, 48x48 IN 2024
His work provides a visual reminder to viewers that we are simultaneously going through this human experience together. It’s a reminder for us to look inward to find solutions to the external life problems we experience, while holding grace for each other, and for ourselves. And above all else moving in love. It made me wonder how he was able to achieve such balance in his mentality. Life wasn’t always this sweet and things weren’t always that clear for him.
Born in Gonaives Haiti, Naderson grew up with his mother and sister in a small community in a rural area. Living among nature with the simpler things, he was truly able to appreciate the aspects of family values. His childhood wasn’t tainted by external material obsessions, but by spending time with his older sister Leslyne and his mother Saintana Raphael he learned to value personal time and familial bonding. It was through his love for them that he developed a deep respect and reverence for women, learned from his matriarchal upbringing and we can see that respect and love translated in his work as well.
Take for instance his piece “The Lady Who Killed Her Abusive Husband” which was created in 2021, five years after he began to fully delve into his career as an artist. This work is a very graphic piece that illustrates the aftermath of a murder. A naked woman is the subject, and here we can see the nude body is representing the vulnerability of the situation. She is sitting on the bed that she once shared with her husband. From the stark red background it’s shocking one into mesmerized focus on the woman who is highlight in blue outline, the subtle color setting the tone for sadness at the situation she must now face after protecting herself at the cost of her tormentor’s life. Eeriness and emptiness tinge the air, the viewer can imagine that the room is eerily silent, yet fraught full of thoughts fighting for dominance. The lady sits pensive, hands clasped perhaps in self soothing or grappling in anxiety for what’s to come, her husband’s lifeless body lies behind her, beheaded.
“The Lady Who Killed Her Abusive Husband” Acrylic & oil pastels 24 x 20 in
When I first saw this piece, I questioned his inspiration when he came up with this concept. But thinking back to his character, he is an avid people watcher. By listening intently to people as they discuss their personal experiences, other people’s lives become inspiration for his work. Although he has not experienced any form of domestic violence, he has proved it’s quite possible to imagine the direct perspective of a woman in that situation. His ability to empathize with others and to see them for who they are in a loving and humanizing way allows him to portray their stories with nuance and space for collective understanding and appreciation. He uses his talent and vision to amplify the voices of those who may not have the words to stand up for themselves, utilizing his art as an agent for change.
Never one to shy away from controversial topics and real life experiences, Naderson created a bevy of works during his first year in New York while being homeless. Upon arriving in New York for his exhibition, Basquiat lives, Naderson came with his works, and a suitcase. Fueled by his passion, he created a new piece every single day in the MTA subway. Each day he would create a work he would sell and use that money to spend another night in a hotel that he stayed in East New York.
@Soriee Henzo
At the time of his arrival in New York he did not have any immediate family that he relied on. However, his trust in self, his trust in his artistic abilities and his innate hustle and self investment came together to empower him. It was by this power that he was able to raise money each day because of his consistency and inability to give up on himself. Naderson’s courageous spirit brought him supporters without them even understanding how much he sacrificed to be present in this city, living his dream. When he wasn’t painting at the 86th street stop on the 4 train, he found himself in the artist’s hub- Washington Square Park. It was there that he began to paint in front of a larger audience. In Washington Square Park, he built a community of fellow artists, and while supporting each other as they all created works in the summer heat, he found the connections, friendships and networking landed him in many more exhibitions.
From April 2022 to present day Naderson Saint Pierre has exhibited in over 30 shows in New York City. The exhibitions range from the art collective Brooklyn Art Cave in Bushwick to established galleries in Chelsea, Soho and Harlem. This highlights his versatility and timelessness in his portfolio. Each space allows his work to take center stage and capture the hearts of many. He also maintained two residences in the Oculus by way of the program Art on The Ave founded by Barbara Anderson in the heart of the Financial District in Manhattan. He currently teaches in an after school program called SPARK, motivating children to create and learn more about their innate sense of creativity.
- Jomani Danielle