Step into the Haiti of the past at Sophia LaCroix’s ‘Roots and Realism’ exhibit

Looking for something fun to do this April? Step into the bustling markets, sun-drenched streets, and quiet family moments of 1970s and 1980s Haiti through the eyes of artist Sophia LaCroix. Her latest exhibition, “Roots and Realism: A Haitian Artist’s Reminiscence,” opens April 18 at the Ali Cultural Arts Center, located just north of Fort Lauderdale in Pompano Beach, running through June 21.

A self-taught Haitian-American artist, LaCroix is known for her hyper-realistic oil paintings and charcoal portraits that vividly capture the textures and vibrancy of everyday Haitian life. From the rich scent of frying plantains to the intricate patterns of merchants’ woven baskets, her art brings back the Haiti of her childhood—the one that still exists in the memories of many, even if they can no longer return.

“I paint the Haiti that I can’t go back to,” LaCroix said in a 2023 interview with The Haitian Times. “The Haiti of the 70s and early 80s still exists in my mind, and my art allows me to revisit it.”

An artist shaped by nostalgia and resilience

Born and raised in Port-au-Prince, LaCroix immigrated to Florida in 1984 as a teenager on a full academic scholarship. While her artistic style has earned her recognition across the U.S., her early career faced resistance from galleries that expected Haitian art to fit a specific mold.

“All the galleries in Coral Gables and Coconut Grove, when I created this body of work, told me, ‘This isn’t Haitian art. It’s not primitive,’” the Miami-based artist recalled, referring to her Haitian market pieces in 2023. “That didn’t make sense to me—because it’s art, and I am Haitian.”

Undeterred, she leaned into her passion, using her paintings to prove her “exceptional talent” in order to secure a U.S. green card. Today, her work has been featured in major exhibitions, public murals, and permanent collections, including at the Little Haiti Cultural Center and Florida International University.

Opening reception details

The exhibition kicks off with an opening reception on April 18 from 6 to 9 p.m., where visitors can meet LaCroix and experience her work up close. Admission is free, but space is limited, so attendees are encouraged to register in advance.

When: April 18 – June 21

Opening Reception: April 18, 6–9 p.m. (RSVP recommended)For those who long for a piece of Haiti’s past or want to experience its beauty through a new lens, Roots and Realism is a must-see. Whether you’re Haitian-born or simply curious about the country’s rich culture, LaCroix’s paintings offer an intimate, deeply personal journey into a world that continues to live on—if not in reality, then on canvas.

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