Artwork copyright Christian Michel. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2020.

Paradise, 1988

Christian Michel
Haitian (born 1949)

Location: Frank Wagner Elementary, Monroe

About the Artwork

Haitian artist Christian Michel created Paradise to spark the viewer's imagination. The composition illustrates "a peaceful, pure, fresh and fruitful land where all animals are friendly and live together and monkeys seem to play the human role."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Monroe School District.

About the Artist

Christian Michel draws his artistic style and imagery from his Haitian culture, environment and history. He was born in Cadouche in northern Haiti. A high school teacher at Notre Dame College in Haiti saw his artistic talent and introduced him to a local artist who helped Michel develop his personal style. He currently lives and works in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.