Jean-Jacques Stephen Alexis

Jean-Jacques Stephen Alexis is a passionate artist, curator, writer, and activist whose work is deeply influenced by the vibrant and diverse heritage of the Afro-Caribbean. A strong Taino cultural influence permeates his art, blending with his Afro-Caribbean roots to create unique visual narratives. Alexis’s art is an homage to the Caribbean’s indigenous heritage, celebrating the symbols, spirituality, and natural motifs of the Taino people alongside African and Haitian cultural elements. Writing runs in his blood; he follows a lineage of celebrated storytellers, including his father, the influential novelist Jacques Stephen Alexis, his grandfather Ambassador Stephen Alexis, and his great-uncle, the poet Emile Roumer. This legacy has inspired his own work across novels, poetry, and historical writing, where he explores themes of identity, resilience, and cultural preservation. Alexis’s writing and visual art reflect his commitment to honoring and revitalizing Afro-Caribbean culture, celebrating its history, and championing its voices. As a curator and activist, he is dedicated to fostering spaces that uplift Caribbean voices, focusing on art that reveals both the ancestral spirit of the region and its dynamic evolution. In his novels and poetry, Alexis blends historical context with modern struggles, creating works that resonate with those who seek to understand and preserve the Caribbean’s multifaceted identity. Through his art, writing, and curatorial work, Jean-Jacques Stephen Alexis is not only continuing his family’s legacy but also advancing the conversation about Afro-Caribbean identity, cultural pride, and heritage.