Self-Taught Painter’s Evocative Art Straddles the Line Between Figurative and Abstract [Interview]

Jessica Stewart, My Modern MET, April 2, 2025

Haitian-American artist Patrick Eugène‘s oil paintings straddle the line between abstract and figurative art. They sit in an area that almost appears Post-Impressionistic on the verge of Cubism; yet, at the same time, they are decidedly contemporary. His paintings are all the more impressive when looking at his creative process, which forgoes a traditional sitter or reference image, allowing him to paint freely and spontaneously.

 

Now based in Atlanta, we ran into Eugène's oil paintings at Frieze Los Angeles, where he was being shown by the well-regarded Mariane Ibrahim Gallery. His rise in the art scene is especially remarkable when realizing that Eugène isn't only self-taught, but that he only started painting about 13 years ago. Drawing on his Haitian heritage and immersing himself in his creativity, he's carved out a place for his evocative paintings.

 

Undoubtedly, Eugène's art draws the viewer in. The figures in his work appear immersed in thought, leading us to fill in the blanks. Placed in fairly minimalist settings, the paintings allow viewers to draw their own conclusions, even placing themselves in the scene.

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