About The Artist

Christian Nicolas grew up in a home where reverence for photography, literature, and the arts was evident. Inspired by French poets, Christian began writing poetry at the age of 14. He moved to the United States at 19 to carry on his academic studies. His fondness for the family's passion enticed him to switch from his studies and earn a degree in Art Photography instead. He then worked in that field diligently for five years until he met Haitian, master Jean Claude Garoute-also known as Tiga. With a natural flair for illustration and a keen eye for the esthetic, a dormant talent awakened as Christian began to paint with Tiga's guidance. Producing not only utilizing acrylics, Christian found new possibilities in the appliance of the "Soleil Brule-" technique created, documented and taught by Tiga. KRISTO was born. Totally immersing himself in this new approach and allowing spontaneity to have free rein, the artist emerged. He reveals how it changed his life. “This completes the circle. I have found the missing link that I have been searching for so long. Painting takes me to another world, where freedom is not a vain word, but a liberating reality.” Motivated by his new found outlook, Kristo began to bring attention to the reality engulfing Haiti and its inhabitants by writing a series of poems - a compilation of nine texts in French and Kreyol called “Haïti: Un Cri de Désespoir (Haiti: A Cry of Despair).” Kristo's first CD was released in October, 2005. Following a series of exhibits from 2005 to 2009, Kristo co-authored, in February 2009, the Book “Here…There and Beyond,” a 320 pages collection of the work of 16 Haitian artists of Florida, their biography, statements and views on their work, as well as critics by independent art connoisseurs. In addition to co-authoring the book and editing most of the texts and the photographs it contains, Kristo planned and curated a series of exhibits related to the promotion of the book and the artists showcased in it. This series of events was advertised by the media in newspapers such as The Miami Herald, La Prensa Del Sur, The Miami Sunpost, The Haitian Art Society, USA Today.com, and the March 2009 issue of the prestigious Doral Lifestyle & Business magazine. Kristo was also featured in the prestigious Artismine of Chelsea NY and Caribbean Network Magazine of Florida In December 2010, Kristo authored and published the book Beyond Words – Beyond Colors, a book that encompasses some of Kristo’s poetry, art photography, and paintings. Kristo is currently the Owner / Manager of Kristo Art, Miami, Florida. Kristo is represented by Myriam Nader Salomon of Nader art gallery. Samples of his work can also be viewed at gallery Festival Arts of Petion-ville Haiti.. Kristo has exhibited his work in Florida, Italy, Holland, New York, Canada and Haiti. kristo@kristoart.com www.kristoart.com 954-232-2266