Issa was not a painter himself (although he was a very talented musician and bandleader), but nevertheless was one of the most important figures in Haitian art over the last fifty years. Starting in the early fifties he sold Haitian art out of a restaurant, a department store, a gallery and finally his Port-au-Prince home.

We last visited him in his art-packed house in 1995 and remember him for his stories, his vast knowledge of Haitian art, his kindness to visitors, and his sense of humor. You may read a much more complete biography and remembrance of Issa on Bill Bollendorf''s Galerie Macondo website.