Charles Philippe Jean-Pierre has always seen art as more than paint on canvas. To him, it’s a meeting ground for history, culture, and imagination. The Washington, D.C.–based artist, educator, and cultural practitioner traces his creative spirit back to his Haitian upbringing in Chicago, where vibrant colors, storytelling, and pride in heritage laid the foundation for the worlds he would later build through his art.

“Art has always been my way of making sense of the world — a space where history, culture, and imagination meet,” Jean-Pierre said. That outlook has carried him across the globe, from classrooms to galleries, Haiti to South Africa, small studios to international stages.

His work stands out because it’s personal. Every textile, artifact, and found material he uses carries a memory from his travels across the African diaspora and the Global South. Those materials transform into abstract assemblages and installations that feel like portals, inviting viewers to take a cultural journey with him. 

“It’s not just about what’s on the surface — it’s about creating a space where viewers can see themselves inside the narrative.”

Jean-Pierre’s career has been marked by moments that affirm his purpose. In 2015, he was invited to the Obama White House for the President’s Initiative on the Arts and Social Justice, a turning point that revealed to him that his art was part of a larger cultural conversation. 

“It wasn’t just about creating something beautiful — it was about carrying history, sparking dialogue, and shaping the way people see themselves and the world.”

Since then, his work has found permanent homes in places like the U.S. State Department and SoHo House, and has been showcased in the Smithsonian, the International Monetary Fund, the Embassy of Haiti, and abroad in Basel, Switzerland. Each venue adds a new layer to the story, but for Jean-Pierre, one of the greatest rewards is seeing his students and mentees forge their own paths. 

“Knowing I’ve played a small part in their journey is as rewarding as any accolade,” he said.

That sense of community-building is central to his work. Challenges like a lack of mentorship early in his career pushed him to carve his own way. Now, he’s committed to being that mentor for others. 

“In some ways, I’ve become an elder statesman in my circles — creating my own opportunities, building genuine community with other creatives, and staying unapologetic in telling our stories our way.”

Fresh off an exhibit in Switzerland, his most recent role brought him back to the nation’s capital as host of the Echoes of Excellence Summer Soirée, which came by way of the Haitian Ladies Network. A longtime friend and collaborator invited him after seeing how his art could add depth to the evening. Jean-Pierre said yes without hesitation, proud to support a network that unites women across the diaspora.

The night was a beautiful celebration of art, music, and leadership within the Haitian community. Beloved artist Wyclef Jean was the featured guest, sitting down with award-winning journalist Stacey Samuel for a powerful conversation regarding the power and influence of Haitian women globally. 

Jean-Pierre’s vibrant work served as the backdrop for the transformational evening, a powerful visual reminder of the rich heritage and culture of the Haitian diaspora. 

Looking ahead, he envisions his art evolving into larger-scale public works and immersive installations that allow people to step inside his creations. He also wants to expand his international collaborations while continuing to mentor emerging artists.

But his message to other Black creatives and entrepreneurs remains clear: “Protect your voice, trust your instincts, and don’t wait for permission to create. Build your community, share your knowledge, and stay rooted in your truth. The world will always try to define you, but the most important definitions are the ones you create for yourself.”

Whether you encounter his work in a gallery, classroom, or on Instagram at @cjpgallery, Jean-Pierre hopes people see that art is more than an object. It’s a tool for connection, healing, and change. 

“If my work can spark a conversation, shift a perspective, or inspire someone to dream bigger — then I’ve done my job.”

Cover photo: From Haiti to D.C., Charles Jean-Pierre Is Painting Pathways Across the Diaspora/Photo credit: Charles Philippe Jean-Pierre/ Givens Media LLC