Nathalie Jean-Baptise (@nathaliejbarts) presents her work in ‘Chimen’
On view at October 15th - October 20th, 2026
📍FORMAT Gallery
In Chimen (shee-meh), artist Nathalie Jean-Baptiste (b. 1987, Haïti) maps a path of self-sovereignty. The title originates from Haitian Creole, meaning “road” or “path,” and metaphorically refers to a journey one takes and the choices that lead them forward. Grounded in domestic landscapes of Haiti, the works investigate womanhood as a constant iteration ultimately leading to recovery and reclamation.

At first encounter, Jean-Baptiste’s canvases are striking in their bold, vibrant color and immediate visual invitation. Yet beneath these luminous surfaces lies a layer of questions around solitude and loneliness, unraveling artist’s own lineage and loss. She traces how ancestral traditions, vodou iconography, and matriarchal connections persist. Through embodied movement and sacred symbols, her paintings transform refusal into rituals of initiation.

Chimen celebrates the power of choosing oneself. The exhibition stands as a testament to the women who move forward anyway, inviting viewers to witness a deeply personal journey of self-realization and freedom.

Programming:

Opening Night: Thursday, October 15th 6:30pm onwards

Aritst Panel (moderated by Audrey Charles): Sunday, October 18th 4-6pm

Workshop (facilitated by Nathalie Jean-Baptiste): Tuesday, October 20th 6:30-8:30pm

Closing Reception: Thursday, October 22nd 6:30-8:30pm

We are looking forward to seeing you. Please reach out to jazasamuel.design@gmail.com with any questions.