"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." (The Chicago Gallery of Hatian Art)

This original oil painting on masonite of a nocturnal harbor scene with dark and scary heavy impasto clouds and sky is a stellar example of why Charles Obas is one of the most highly regarded, loved and collected Hatian artists. The condition is very good besides some slight brown marks that could be easily cleaned off with a safe cleaning solution. The composition is one of the best paintings executed by Obas and the size seconds that statement measuring nearly 38 x 22 inches which is larger than the majority of his works. This is a very special painting that deserves to go into a good collection where it will be properly appreciated.

Like always please feel free to contact us directly at inquire@henningfineart.com if you have any questions.