One of Chicago’s most beloved sons, and D.C. -transplant Charles Philippe Jean-Pierre paints canvases as colorful and vibrant as the Caribbean blood that flows through his veins.  Boasting a collection that blends graffiti, folk, graphic, and multimedia arts, his “visual poetry” is fresh and innovative. Not since Jean Michel-Basquiat have I seen a more exciting artist that is reflective of the times.   Just as Basquiat, Jean-Pierre is able to weave in and out of different circles from politics and music to the Downtown crowd.

A standout on the east coast's live art scene, Jean-Pierre creates paintings that are centered on his love of live organic music. The pluck of a bass, wail of a trumpet and beat of a drum guides his brush strokes.   With the ability to mesh the influences of Basquiat, Dali and Bearden, this artist of the times sat down to discuss his love for art and his roots. 

My art influences stem from culture and nature.   Basquiat,  Bearden, and Dali’s abstraction and surrealism heavily influence me.

My art is a blend of poetry, hip-hop, colors, positive  energy, family and everyday people. I am just taking the old and blending it and creating something new.

My favorite poet is Gwendolyn Brooks. I love Maya Angelou and Langston Hughes but I got to go with Gwen. I was actually the last student to receive her scholarship before she died. She was my introduction to poetry. Now I try to accompany my art with poems and speeches from authors I admire.

Growing up Haitian gave me a broader view of the world. I got to travel a lot as a kid and was exposed to more than the boundaries of my neighborhood. I grew up in a traditional household with lots of family and structure.  It was important to have dinner at the table every night as a family before papi (my dad) went to his night shift.  Our house was full of great art and music too. When family would visit from out of town and out of the country they always brought paintings, records (yes records!), fresh spices and coffee, and home remedies to keep us in touch with our roots.

Painting provides me the freedoms to grow as an individual as well as an artist. It also brings me happiness. Every painting I complete is an accomplishment. 

I use art as a tool for historical preservation, social awareness and a form of therapeutic expression.

My art speaks to everyone; from young to old.  My body of work is diverse so it transcends age and gender.

If it had not been for my art I wouldn't be who I am.  I'm grateful to have discovered my passion at such an early age. I consider myself a creative spirit 

My art lies in the collection of many young professionals from Texas to Tokyo. I was one of six American's followed by NHK-Japanese news network during the 2008 presidential campaign trail. One of the producers bought a piece and it’s found a home half way across the world. I've also had college professors; NFL players, actors and musicians purchase pieces. The bulk of my sales are with budding art collectors with an eye for talent.

I received my first big break when I was born. I have cousins back home in Haiti that don't have nearly as many opportunities as I was afforded being born here in the U.S.

My art for OBAMA is art for the people.  It gave me an opportunity for people to have a part of history and a tangible part of the future.

People purchase my art because my art speaks to people.

My community work involves a variety of schools, non-profits, and community organizations.  My most recent is Words Beats Life; it’s a great non-profit that encourages community change through hip-hop. I'll be volunteering at their multi-medium hip-hop arts academy this fall. A few others I've been honored to work with are most recently; The Young and Powerful Group, Speaking in Rhythms, The Haiti Project, Bloom Bars, Hands on DC, Art for Change NYC, Yele Haiti, and Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School.

While at Howard University I was able to experience black culture at its finest. I just want to continue the rich tradition and legacy that Howard's art department has produced.

In my career, I have collaborated with a number of people. My main crew is Culture District Artist Collective; Johnnie 'Monk' Bess, Rachel Crouch, Aniekan Adofa, and Brandon Hill to name a few. I've also worked with Common, The Roots, Tabi Bonney, Team Black Out, Amanda Diva, Kids in the Hall, Raheem Devaughn's Peekasso among others.

In five years, I see myself progressing in the arts and enjoying life the best I can.

In ten years, I see myself still painting, still teaching and still perfecting my craft. 

One can purchase my art at charlesjeanpierre.com