Artist Steven Baboun named "Creative Architect Icon" at the Island Icons Honors 2026

Haitian artist Steven Baboun has received the title of "Creative Architect Icon" at the Island Icons Honors 2026, awards presented by the Caribbean network CaribBiz Network. The organization and the artist announced it together on Instagram on Wednesday, November 11.

In thanking CaribBiz Network, Steven Baboun said he understands the privilege of being able to "carry Ayiti into every room," meaning to bring Haiti with him wherever he goes. He dedicated the honor to his family, his friends and his collaborators: "Our greatest work is never created alone but together."

A message to young people

He also spoke to Haiti's youth, encouraging them to believe in their potential and to keep dreaming despite the hardships. In his view, young Haitians' ideas can shape futures the world has not yet imagined.

Photographer, director, creator

Originally from Port-au-Prince and now based in New York, Steven Baboun is a photographer, art director, producer and teacher. He holds a film degree from American University and a master's in photography from the Parsons School of Design, and he works in photography, video, performance and textile installations. He runs Studio Baboun, a creative house based in Brooklyn.

His work draws on Haitian culture: he is known in particular for the series "Fèt Gede," "Fèt Èzili" and "Granbwa," as well as "Islam in Haiti" and "Syria and Haiti Holding Hearts." His works have been shown at the Bronx Museum of the Arts, at Haiti Cultural Exchange, at the Haitian American Museum of Chicago, at the Photoville festival and as far away as Seoul, South Korea.

He is also the stage art director and producer of "BAYO," the shows of Haitian DJ and producer Michaël Brun, and a cofounder of the creative agency NativRoots Collective.