Finding My Voice: The Making of a Contemporary Portrait Painter

I am a contemporary portrait painter named Monel Aliote, based in the NY/NJ area. My journey as an artist began in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where I was born. As a child, I immigrated to Florida, and later, as a young man, I came to New York City.

My early artistic influences were rooted in pop culture. I began by drawing portraits of people I admired, including rappers and NBA players like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Dwyane Wade. However, my art took on a new seriousness when I moved to New York. The transition was challenging, and I found myself struggling with depression. Drawing became a powerful coping mechanism, helping me navigate the difficulties of moving to a new state.

My commitment to art deepened in high school. I attended the High School for Global Citizenship, where I was known for always carrying a portfolio filled with my drawings. My dedication was recognized in 2009 when I won a Gold Key from the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards and Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. This award led to a significant milestone in my career: being part of a group exhibition at The Brooklyn Museum in June 2009.

This recognition solidified my path and motivated me to continue honing my craft.

Finding My Voice as a Painter

My early portraits were a reflection of my interests, focusing on celebrities from pop culture and jazz music. Back then, I wasn't concerned with a specific style; I was simply painting and experimenting. I was a student of the craft, exploring what felt right.

Everything changed when I began studying the works of influential artists like Kehinde Wiley, Kerry James Marshall, and Barkley L. Hendricks. Their bold approaches and unique use of color captivated me. I was also deeply inspired by the brushstrokes and emotional intensity of Vincent van Gogh. These artists showed me that a portrait could be more than just a likeness; it could be a statement.

Their work pushed me to evolve beyond simple representation. I began to focus on developing a style of my own—one that was inspired by their masterful use of color, texture, and storytelling. This was a pivotal moment for me. It was no longer about just painting a face, but about creating a style that was uniquely mine.

My journey from a young boy in Haiti to an artist in New York has shaped not only who I am, but the art I create. My early drawings of pop culture icons were a starting point, but the lessons I learned from masters like Kehinde Wiley and Kerry James Marshall truly opened my eyes to the power of a unique style. Today, every portrait I paint is a new conversation—a way to tell a story through bold color and dynamic brushwork. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I'm excited for you to see what I create next.