About the artist
Introduction
Haile King-Rubie was introduced to art at an early age. It became an avenue for the young artist to express his admiration for the meaningful people, places, and events he experienced on a daily basis. His unique way of embracing and interpreting the world around him led to his creation of some of the most sensitive, imaginative and vhivid art of his time. Being an artist has not only expanded Haile’s tools for communication, but has earned him a place in the annals of art and in the hearts of all who know him and have been touched by his work.
Born on May 14, 1990 in Harlem, New York, Haile is now 29 years of age. He was born with Down Syndrome to loving, entrepreneurial parents of Liberian and Costa RicanCaribbean heritage, and raised in the vibrant Village of Harlem. His parents, Audrey King-Rubie and Bernardo Rubie, set out to provide their son with the most creative and stimulating life imaginable. They were determined that Down Syndrome would not stand in the way of Haile leading a rich and fulfilling life. With the support of his family, and his social and academic communities, Haile overcame his challenges to do just that.
Haile graduated from the Learning Tree Prep School, then attended the Mount Pleasant Christian Academy and MOTC in Manhattan where he graduated high school. He went on to study art with the New York Art Students League; Haitian artist, Carl Thelemaque; Jamaican artist, Ronaldo Davidson; Harlem School of the Arts; and Donald Babatunde.
Haile’s works are a complex mix of thought, color, and emotion that can be compared to many past and contemporary artists. His practice encompasses many different styles and media, but his neo-expressionistic art style - that showcases the most freedom in creation - has been compared to none other than Jean-Michel Basquiat. Haile has studied and been inspired by a number of artists, but there is a connection with the work of Basquiat that resonates deeply with him. This can be found in some similarities between the two arists’ works, and in the ease with which Haile has been able to reinvent some of Basquiat’s motifs.
Haile King-Rubie has exhibited throughout New York City and in Miami, and marketed his art via HAILESIMO Inc. – his business enterprise. He has been featured in the Amsterdam News, the Washington Post, HuffPost, The Beacon, New York Times, the Daily News, WABC Television news segment, FOX News, and New York 1 News. His resume includes letters of support from Mayor Michael Bloomberg, U.S. Congressman Charles Rangel, New York State Senator Bill Perkins, New York City Councilwoman Inez Dickens, Late Honorable Percy Sutton, Inner City Broadcasting, and Studio Museum of Harlem. While in its early stages, HAILESIMO Inc. represents Haile’s efforts to be self-sufficient and self-sustaining. You can support his work by visiting the website – hailesimo.com – and sharing it with your networks and friends. Haile appreciates your continued support and takes pride in the village that has raised him.
On behalf of Haile King-Rubie, the family would like to acknowledge all those who have contributed to Haile’s physical health and well-being, his artistic life, and his education. This includes a long list of friends, community members, activists, artists and art enthusiasts, educators, doctors, health workers and institutions. We cannot name everyone here who has made a difference in Haile’s life but we would like to start by extending heartfelt thanks to: Lois Gregory, The Learning Tree School; Maria Wallace, Liberian Mural Foundation; Dr. Herbert Lazarus; Dr. Scharistava (Mount Sinai Heart Unit); Hugo Donaldson, uncle and supporter; Grace Francis, aunt and advocate; Carl Thelemaque, mentor and friend; Reynaldo Davidson, art teacher; Artists and inspirations, Franco the Great, Ademola Olugebefola and Donald Babatunde Omo Misha, curator and advocate; Osei Rubie, Charitable Trust Supporter; Ester Byfield, Michael Byfield, and Edward Robertson; Manhattan Down Syndrome Society; National Down Syndrome Society; Harlem School Of The Arts; New York Art Students Art League, The Scomburg Center for Research in Black Culture; The Apollo Theater, and PALS. Further thanks go out to everyone who helped to bring Haile’s Window to My Soul to fruition. We are truly grateful!
All the best and please stay safe,
Audrey King-Rubie