About the Artist
Ti Tra, born Jean Fatreuse Delva, was a naif painter who lived in Port-au-Prince. His mother gave him the nickname "Ti Tra", which means "Little Trash", as a child. He bore the name gacefully for his whole life. For many years he worked at the legendary gallery of Issa-el-Saieh, as a gatekeeper, gardener, gallery assistant and general handyman. He assisted as many Haitian artists and countless artworks came and went, packed artwork to carry, and before long took up painting himself. He created many lovely works, mostly of animals. After Issa died in 2005 Ti Tra continued to work for Gallery El Saieh until he passed away in 2011.