As part of The Cultural Between exhibition at the Miramar Cultural Center—curated by Sankofa’s Child, Inc.—we are proud to highlight abstract expressionist painter Jedlee Metayer.
Jedlee is a 25-year-old, self-taught first-generation Haitian-American visual artist whose intuitive, vibrant canvases explore grief, spiritual longing, self-acceptance, and the philosophical framework of Spiralism.
🎨 The Canvas as a Sanctuary for Healing
Jedlee’s journey into painting emerged in the wake of profound personal loss and the global pandemic. Following the passing of his father—a revered pastor and community leader in Broward County’s Haitian community—Jedlee sought a safe space to process complex emotions. Turning to the canvas without formal training, his paintings became visual journal entries, moving beyond spoken language into pure color, rhythm, and spiritual energy.
“I didn’t know where to put my emotions… I still needed somewhere to put them, and I decided the canvas is where I’d do it. My paintings became journal entries.”
— Jedlee Metayer
🌀 Spiralism & Haitian Philosophy
In his work, Jedlee integrates the Haitian literary and artistic philosophy of Spiralism, which views entropy, chaos, and cosmic movements not as destructive dead-ends, but as interconnected, cyclical transformations that serve a higher divine purpose.
🖼️ Featured Works in the Exhibition
In The Cultural Between, Jedlee presents two emotionally resonant pieces:
- “Wilderness”: Rooted in his spiritual upbringing, this piece represents the internal “in-between”—the testing ground between liberating oneself from past bondages or self-limiting beliefs and reaching the “promised land.” It embodies the wrestling required to grow into the strength needed to hold one’s divine promise.
- “Humanity”: A deeply reflective meditation on radical honesty, vulnerability, and self-acceptance. In this piece, Jedlee embraces his flaws, insecurities, and personal journey with ADHD—reminding viewers that engaging with our human imperfections with compassion is where true liberation begins.
🇭🇹 Bridging the Cultural In-Between
Growing up in South Florida between the vibrant, tight-knit world of his father’s Haitian church and American public schooling, Jedlee navigated the feeling of being in two contrasting realities. As an adult, he actively seeks to learn, honor, and celebrate the rich history and resilience of the Haitian people, inviting viewers of all backgrounds to find a moment of peace, rest, and introspection when engaging with his work.
🗓️ Exhibition Details
- Exhibition: The Cultural Between (Caribbean Heritage Exhibition)
- Location: Miramar Cultural Center / ArtsPark (Ansin Family Art Gallery), 2400 Civic Center Place, Miramar, FL
- Dates: June 30 – August 21, 2026 | Monday – Thursday, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Curated by: Sankofa’s Child, Inc.
- Learn More: www.sankofaschild.org/exhibits
Watch the Full YouTube Interview: https://youtu.be/ompcWLYWq7M