Sandra Dessalines,

is a self-taught Haitian visual artist and sculptor. Her artwork is inspired and informed by Haitian culture, history, and artistic tradition. She was interested in art at a young age but her parents made her choose a different career path as they did not think being a Black female artist in an 'underdeveloped country' was possible.

She is a descendant of Jean-Jacques Dessalines.

Dessalines currently lives in Basque Country.

Dessalines began making art professionally after the 2010 Haiti earthquake, losing her cousin and neighbors in the natural disaster.

She cites Rémi Trotereau, Marc Petit, and Ousmane Saw as sources of artistic inspiration. Her mixed materials have included wood, cardboard, beads, fabrics, organic materials, and plastics. Her art often centers on overlooked women in Haitian history and/or the impact of slavery and colonization.

Awards and honors In October 2024, she was awarded the public prize from the Lmh Concept Events Art and Design.

Exhibitions

June–August 2026: "Ce qui nous relie:Geste de présence et de mémoire", City Hall, Tremblay-en-France January 2024: "Voyages identitaires", André Arsenec Gallery, Fort-de-France September–October 2021: "The chestnuts of freedom", Space Louis Delgrès, Nantes May–June 2019: "On n’est pas monté sans bagages", Space Louis Delgrès, Nantes July–August 2018: "Haïti Exposition", 7 rue de la Citadelle, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port March 2018: Naive Art Exhibition, Jacques Ellul Media Library, Pessac December 2016–February 2017: "Haïti Exposition", Town Hall, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port November–December 2016: "Haiti", Château Palmer May 2014: Solo Exhibition, Gare de l'Art, Saint-Paul-en-Born