Guy Stanley Philoche

Guy Stanley Philoche (; ) (born 1977) is a Haitian-American abstract realist artist known for his colourful, richly-textured paintings often blending themes and images of New York City and the Caribbean while also incorporating elements of nostalgia through use of cartoon and comic characters. Born in Haiti, Philoche has spent most of his life in the United States, at first in Connecticut and later on in New York City, his present home. In 2020, Philoche came to national attention when his efforts to provide assistance and support for struggling artists were highlighted in news sources throughout the United States.

Biography Guy Stanley Philoche was born in Haiti in 1977. In 1980, when he was three years old, his family immigrated to the United States, settling in Connecticut. When Philoche's family first arrived in the United States, the family faced extreme poverty, and Guy himself found it difficult to adjust to a new country and a new language. Guy spoke French, and he learned English through watching cartoons and reading comics. His first drawings were of Disney characters, All of these childhood experiences were a major influence on Philoche's life and art. Instead, his drawings of Disney characters and visits to museums (especially a visit to an art museum in the Third Grade), Philoche left home after high school to start his formal education as an artist. Against the wishes of his family, he attended the Paier College of Art, and later given an honorary doctorate in Philosophy in Fine Arts, where he supported himself by working during his studies.

Artistic career Philoche struggled in his early years as a new artist in New York City before finally establishing himself and creating several diverse series of works.

When he first arrived in New York, Philoche faced difficulty standing out among the city's many artists. Philoche offered the series to galleries throughout New York, but each gallery deemed the subject too controversial to show.

"I think that was probably one of the most amazing experiences in my life. People sat there, people cried, people touched it, people stood on it, people photographed it. I think that was probably one of the most important works I've ever done in my career so far. To actually witness it, to see a little girl stand on your two letters and put her fist up and take a picture… It was just powerful,"

Also, in 2020, as a result of the MeToo Movement, Philoche was able to exhibit his No Comment Series, with the formerly-controversial series now being called "ahead of its time" by many of the galleries that had earlier rejected it. Philoche's works are held in public and private collections including those of Dorinda Medley of "Real Housewives of New York City," Uma Thurman, George Clooney, Merrill Lynch, Deutsche Bank, Barclay Investments, Proceeds from the sales were donated to comedians who have lost their jobs because of the pandemic. Through the initiative, Philoche and the comedy club were able to raise upwards of $10,000 for local comedians.

During the COVID-19 Pandemic of 2020, Philoche expanded his efforts by supporting struggling artists including those without any sales history. Word of Philoche's philanthropy has reached emerging artists and collectors alike, influencing the latter to invest in his collecting project. This led to previously unexhibited artists securing future group exhibitions of their work.