A Unique Touch Gregory Saint Amand

Gregory Saint Amand also known as (GOGO) is a contemporary and figurative, American, and Haitian artist. He was born in New York but spent a good amount of his early formative years growing up in Haiti. His perspective about what speaks to the human consciousness and understanding, the visual lexicons that influence our communication and culture is gentle but observantly powerful in its nature.

He displays his conversation with art, loving to paint in layers to open the canvas and it’s limits, brings about a never-ending exploration. Using bright colors and inks and other interesting mediums and details, his mark vision is evident in the work. Playing with ideas that carry weight and then juxtaposing subjects, that are more light-hearted.

GOGO attended and graduated from The Cooper Union School of Art. His work has been featured in multiple venues and publications such as the Huffington Post, Scope,The Grio, Crème, Art Voice, 101 Top Artist, MILK mag to name a few.

Where does the name GOGO comes from?

GOGO The name “Gogo” was given to me by my grandmother in Haiti. Nobody close to me called me “Gregory”; they either called me “Gogo” or by my last name, St. Amand. This name also had a fun cultural significance. When we played marbles or soccer, and it was my turn, kids would say, “Se boule gogo,” which means “It’s Gogo’s turn.” It just sounded fun and still brings a smile to my face. In fact, I barely heard “Gregory” until I returned to the US when I was 14. If you love me or we are friends, feel free to call me “GOGO.”

How and when did your artistic career start?

GOGO I’ve been drawing and painting since I was a child, But I am a free spirit so I would venture into other things such as Martial arts and combat sports. However, in 2010, I was injured while lifting weights and training for a kickboxing fight abroad. This experience made me realize that my injury could have been much worse, prompting me to make a promise to myself: once I recovered, I would channel my energy into my greatest passion—art and painting. Initially, progress was slow as I grappled with my insecurities, but I remained true to myself. Surrounding myself with talented artists and supportive individuals, I poured my emotions and imagination into my brush. In short, it’s been 14 years since that pivotal moment.

Where do you find inspiration?

I draw inspiration from my upbringing, including the words spoken to me and the vivid visuals they conjure in my mind from those early days. The things I witnessed in my childhood, both in real life and on television, continue to intrigue me. Brand names and icons like Coca-Cola, Hot Wheels, Kellogg’s, Marlboro, Speed Racer, ATOMO, Legos, Aunt Jemima, Tyson, and MJ—none of which originated from Haiti—were part of my childhood consumption. They symbolize the cultural significance of certain products and how they shape our society. I’m fascinated by the history of the world and how information is conveyed globally.

The concept of innocence and its vulnerability, the preservation of innocence to nurture bigger dreams, the evolving notion of beauty and its eventual fading, and the ongoing struggle for freedom in all aspects of life are themes that resonate with me deeply. My inspiration also stems from my people and all people, as well as the nostalgic references to a simpler time that holds a special place in our hearts and minds. While I do find inspiration in other artists, I believe that’s a natural part of our artistic dialogue, as we all communicate with each other using visual languages.

Has your Haitian background influenced your work? How does it mix with the NY culture?

GOGO My Haitian culture deeply influences my work because it’s an integral part of who I am. By being true to myself and sharing my life experiences honestly, I bring my culture to the forefront. While I may not always fit into traditional molds due to my strong New York influence, I feel a strong connection to both identities without any conflict. I’ve always believed that New York is a place of diversity.Trust me when I tell you this a good New Yorker is also a good foreigner.

I don’t try to force any specific cultural tropes into my work; instead, I allow it to naturally breathe onto the canvas. My focus is on honesty and visual presence. I see it as my responsibility to push Haitian art forward in a contemporary manner, particularly through my paintings. While I know there are others doing similar work, I believe I bring a fresh perspective that resonates with people. I appreciate this aspect of my artistic growth.

You always have strong portraits in your paintings, are these portraits based on real people?

GOGO In my work, I incorporate both real people I’ve interacted with, who have served as visual inspirations for some of my figures, and imagined figures that add a unique touch to my art. While I see aspects of myself in all of them, they are distinct from me as individuals. I hope that clarifies things a bit.

You seem to like and practice combat sports, and you take this into many of your paintings. What have these sports brought to you artistically and personally?

GOGO I have a deep love for martial arts and combat sports. As a child, I was small and disliked being picked on. However, I discovered that by moving with purpose, I could influence outcomes when interacting with others who didn’t have my best interests at heart. Through focused movement, I could make them see me clearly and prevent them from harming me. It was a powerful way to assert my presence—a physical manifestation of my persona or aura.

This experience parallels my approach to art. Just as my movements in martial arts convey my intentions, my brushstrokes express my pursuit of beauty and truth in its essence. My art serves as a language to protect what is pure within us, inspiring us to fight for it and long for it. My goal is to depict all of us as heroes and friends, inviting you to see me and, in doing so, see yourself reflected in my work.

Which painter or artist do you admire and why?

GOGO Here are some painters that I admire: I know it might sound cliché, but definitely Basquiat, Cy Twombly, Kehinde Wiley, Mark Bradford, Bradley Theodore, Guy Stanley Philoche, Jules Arthur, Kaws, Marcus Jansen, and Genesis Tramaine. I draw inspiration from a wide range of influences. While there are other painters who also move me, I feel like this list captures my admiration for now.

If you weren’t a painter, what do you think you would be doing?

GOGO If I weren’t an artist, I’d likely immerse myself in martial arts, possibly teaching or even competing in the UFC MuayThai. However, my current interest lies in healing arts like massage therapy and recovery, as well as teaching children art and martial arts. Strangely enough, it still feels like I’m in the same ballpark, just exploring different facets of it.

Where do see yourself in 20 years, and what is your ultimate artistic dream?

GOGO In 20 years, I hope to have made a significant cultural impact, leaving my mark on the zeitgeist and human lexicon through my art. I aspire to have contributed in a way that reaches millions of people, who have shared and enjoyed my work. Through my art, I hope to have made a positive impact on others, and I aim to have grown personally, developing with clarity and purpose. It’s also my dream to have my work showcased in museums and art books. Most importantly, I want my journey to inspire children everywhere, allowing them to see themselves in the path I’ve taken.