Frankétienne, a key figure in Haitian literature, passes away at the age of 88

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Frankétienne, a celebrated figure in the arts as a writer, painter, actor, and musician, known as the “father of Haitian letters,” has passed away at the age of 88.

Born Jean-Pierre Basilic Dantor Franck Étienne d’Argent, he grew up in the Bel-Air neighborhood of Haiti’s capital and is considered one of the nation’s most significant writers. His death occurred on Thursday due to an undisclosed illness, as confirmed by an official statement from the Haitian government.

His passing has deeply affected many, with thousands mourning his loss. Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé expressed, “Through his writings, he illuminated the world, carried the soul of Haiti and defied silence. May his word remain, may his spirit still blow. Farewell, master.”

The government also noted that Frankétienne was a pioneer of spiralism, a literary movement that emerged in Haiti during the 1960s, characterized by its chaotic and pluralistic nature.

His literary contributions include a variety of genres such as poetry, drama, and novels, with “Dézafi” being particularly notable. This novel, which means “Challenge,” holds the distinction of being the first modern novel written in Haitian Creole. It reflects his experiences during the oppressive regime of François Duvalier, better known as Papa Doc.

Frankétienne’s body of work also features other significant pieces like “Au Fil du Temps,” “Ultravocal,” and “Pèlin Tèt.” Additionally, his artwork, including the paintings “Désastre” and “Difficile émergence vers la lumière,” pay tribute to the victims of the devastating 2010 earthquake and those affected by hurricanes, respectively.

Le Centre d’Art, a Haitian cultural organization, remarked on his artwork, stating, “His paintings are a visual extension of his literary universe, where we find the same abundant energy that recalls his dense and polysemic texts.”

In the late 1980s, Frankétienne took on the role of culture minister in Haiti and received France’s prestigious Order of Arts and Letters for his contributions.

Former Prime Minister Evans Paul described Frankétienne as a staunch advocate for Haitian identity, freedom of expression, and social justice. He remarked, “Frankétienne was much more than an artist: he was a living force, a beacon for Haiti and for humanity. With his incisive pen, his captivating voice and his visionary gaze, he has established himself as a giant mapou, an unshakeable pillar of Haitian art and thought.” A mapou tree is revered in Haiti for its height and sacred status.

Michael Deibert, author of notable works on Haiti, recalled his interview with Frankétienne last year, highlighting the depth of conversations about Haitian history, culture, Vodou, and the arts. “To sit and talk to Frankétienne was to have a lesson in all these areas,” he stated, noting the artist’s ability to express both mystical and humorous insights, encapsulating the vibrant creativity of Haiti.

In a 2023 interview with UNESCO, Frankétienne elaborated on the significance of his seven names, explaining that they were given to him by his grandmother and mother as a means of protection against malevolent forces. He described himself as a product of two worlds, with a Black Haitian mother and a white American father who left the family behind.

Over his lifetime, Frankétienne claimed to have created around 60 books and approximately 5,000 paintings. He regarded himself as “an original madman who must have disturbed any number of ‘normal’ people.” Frankétienne emphasized a lifelong dedication to creativity, saying, “I’ve always been on the move, in search of new things. Permanent creation is an odyssey with no stopovers.”