MATHIEU JN BAPTISTE

DON’T GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS

JUST KEEP SLEEPING

HEIDI VAUGHAN FINE ART is proud to present a very special exhibition of artistic works by Haitian-American artist Mathieu JN Baptiste. The show opens Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 11:00 am. A reception with the artist will take place later that day from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at 3510 Lake St. at Colquitt in Houston's oldest Gallery Row. The exhibition runs May 17 through June 21. An artist talk will take place at 1:00 pm on Saturday, June 7.

“Don’t Give Up On Your Dreams Just Keep Sleeping is more than a title— it’s a challenge, a warning, and a little bit of a joke all rolled into one. This show is dedicated to the youth— especially the ones growing up in environments where dreaming big can feel risky, or even unrealistic. I know what it means to be told to ‘wake up’ and face reality. But the truth is, if we don’t protect our dreams and give them space to grow, someone else will shape our future for us. The exhibition explores the illusion of competition: while one child appears idle, resting or daydreaming, another is seen actively training or studying for the same goal. This contrast challenges the assumption that rest is laziness. Instead, it reminds us that rest is a vital part of the journey. This body of work is a tribute to the daydreamers, the misfits, the kids who sketch in the margins of their notebooks, and the ones who’ve been told to sit still when their spirit wants to run. Each piece is a visual reminder that your dream has value, that your story matters, and that no one else can do what you’re here to do. Keep sleeping. Keep dreaming. And then wake up and make it real.”

-Mathieu JN Baptiste