Artist: Jean-Pierre Vertus.
Title: “Ogou Feray” Warrior of Peace.
Year created: 2014.
Medium: Acrylic on canvas.
Dimensions: 30" H x 40" W.
This piece is unframed.
Artist bio: Jean-Pierre Vertus is an actor, model and devoted humanitarian. He is also a firm believer in the principles of The Alchemist, that “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” He pursues his craft with genuine passion which may explain how his most recent project, Nixon in Haiti, was featured in the Short Film Corner at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival and how his lead role in Sebastian Ingrosso’s (Swedish House Mafia fame) international hit music video, Reload, received over 8 million views.
He attributes his humanitarian streak to his father’s training as a doctor and his mother’s lifelong work supporting Fondation Renmen, an orphanage in Haiti which is his second home. Vertus’ first film work began in New York City, under the tutelage of director, James Toback. Impressed with his range, Toback cast him alongside Neve Campbell in the movie, When Will I Be Loved. Having tasted some success, Jean-Pierre was keen to master his craft and decided to move to Los Angeles to study under the guidance of acting coaches, Aaron Speiser. Soon thereafter he was signed to L.A Models and garnered numerous international ad campaigns and television commercials for global brands, most notably Samsung, Sears and Target. His television work includes appearances on the series, Heroes, as well as in independent movies such as Nora’s Hair Salon 2.
Despite a gratifying burgeoning career in Hollywood, Jean-Pierre’s heart belongs to his homeland, Haiti. In 2012, he completed a documentary film based on Haiti’s devastating earthquake entitled Resilient Hearts. When Jean-Pierre is not working, he devotes his time to his true inspiration, his effervescent daughter, Chloe. Otherwise, you might find him kitchen whipping up some incredible meals. He has recently been exploring his talent as an artist through his painting.
“Painting allows me time to reflect on my acting but also allows me the freedom to explore my creativity in ways I cannot do in film,” he says. He works in acrylics and water-colours and his subjects of predilection are often related to his beloved homeland, Ayiti cherie. He is presently working on a series of Voodoo symbols and has plans for an exhibition once he has completed all 20 in the series. He currently resides in Los Angeles but travels to Haiti several times a year to help support his mother’s work at Fondation Renmen.