Yves-Marie Desir: The Artivist Championing Our Haitian Stories Through Artwork, Dance, Jewelry
- Florcy Morisset
- Mar 9
- 3 min read
At Vivant Art Gallery, art is more than just decoration—it’s storytelling, it’s resistance, it’s legacy. Today, I am honored to introduce you to an artist whose work embodies all of this and more. Meet Yves-Marie Desir, an artivist, educator, and cultural warrior who weaves history, spirituality, and resilience into every piece she creates.
I’m just the vessel, the bridge between you and her brilliance. Yves-Marie’s work is a portal into the soul of Haiti—her heritage, her ancestors, and the transformative power of art. If you don’t know her yet, prepare to fall in love.
Who is Yves-Marie Desir?
To say Yves-Marie is just an artist would be an understatement. She is an experience. A storyteller. A healer. A champion of Haitian culture.
Born into a deeply rooted Haitian family, Yves-Marie’s artistry is an extension of her soul. Her pieces are not just created; they are manifested—guided by dreams, history, and the spirit of her ancestors. Her first drum was given to her by her father. Her first dance was learned through a dream. Every creation is infused with an energy that transcends borders.
As an educator, she has spent years working in literacy intervention, helping children from immigrant backgrounds learn to read while preserving their cultural identities. She is also a folklore dancer specializing in Haitian healing dances like Yanvalou, Ibo, and Congo—movements that embody the spirit of resistance and freedom. And when words are not enough, she turns to art—mirrors, beadwork, sequins, and fabrics—to process and transform energy into something tangible, something sacred.
Her creations are not just art; they are ancestral tools, infused with intention, history, and power.
The Art of Revolution: Yves-Marie’s Voodoo Flags
The crown jewel of Yves-Marie’s collection at Vivant Art Gallery is her stunning sequined Voodoo flags—meticulously hand-stitched pieces that carry the spirit of Haiti’s religious, artistic, and revolutionary traditions.
These are not ordinary works of art. Each piece takes months to complete, requiring the hands of multiple artisans, carefully layering sequins and beads to bring forth vibrant, spiritual imagery. When raised in a Vodou temple, these flags come alive, pulsating with energy, honoring the spirits they represent.
One of the standout pieces in this collection is dedicated to Damballa—the divine serpent, the symbol of wisdom, knowledge, and transformation. His presence is felt in every glimmering detail of the flag, a masterpiece created by Yves-Marie’s artist collaborator, Dieufel Lamisier. It’s a work that bridges past and present, tradition and modernity, seen and unseen realms.
The level of craftsmanship and spiritual depth embedded in each of these flags is unlike anything else in the art world. And now, for the first time ever, Yves-Marie’s collection is available through Vivant Art Gallery.
Art With A Purpose: The Economic Dignity Project
For Yves-Marie, art is not just about expression—it is about dignity.
Through her non-profit, Crayons for Haiti, she has dedicated her life to using art as a means of economic empowerment. She understands the struggle of artists in Haiti, where materials are expensive, opportunities are scarce, and the simple act of creation is an act of defiance.
That’s why she launched the Economic Dignity Project—a movement that ensures Haitian artists are paid for their work, honored for their craft, and given the platform they deserve. Every piece purchased directly supports Haitian artisans, their families, and their ability to sustain their legacy through art.
Why You Need a Yves-Marie Desir Piece in Your Collection
Owning a piece of Yves-Marie’s work is not just about collecting art—it’s about owning a story, preserving a legacy, and investing in cultural resilience.
Her Voodoo flags, mirrors, and jewelry are more than objects; they are living testaments to the strength, beauty, and depth of Haitian culture. They are reminders that art is resistance, art is survival, and art is revolution.
If you have ever been drawn to the power of Black art, if you have ever felt the urge to connect with something deeply spiritual, if you believe in supporting artists with a purpose—this is your moment.
Browse the collection, choose a piece, and become part of this movement.
Final Words from Yves-Marie
"We are possible. Possibility is possible. When you buy a piece of art, you are giving dignity to an artist, to a culture, to a movement. Together, we are strong."
Yves-Marie Desir is not just creating art—she is creating legacy. And I, Florcy, am simply honored to share her story with you.
If you are ready to experience the magic, the history, and the spirit of Yves-Marie’s art, now is the time.
Join the movement. Own the story. Carry the legacy.
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