Jacques Chery, born in 1928 in Cap-Haitian at the northern tip of Haiti, put aside his hairdressing trade to begin painting. His friend Philomé Obin, surmising the birth of a great artist, encouraged him in his endeavor.

Jacques Chery is well known for his historical and folklore paintings. He depicts everyday life in Haiti with both a touch of realism and sense of marvelous. His characters with wide buttocks, carrying enormous fruits on their heads and his marriage and funeral scenes are but some examples demonstrating his profound desire to translate Haitian reality with a sense of humor.

He has had numerous exhibits throughout the world, especially in New York, London, Paris and Berlin. His paintings have also been in Vogue, Time and Paris-Match Magazines. In 1987, Chery created a biblical fresco entitled Voile de Carême for the Société Misereor of Aix-la-Chapelle in Germany.