Puerto Rican Art History

Rafael Ferrer: Istoria de la Isla, 1974: Floating Island of Resistance

Leave a Comment / Art + Art history, Puerto Rican Art History /

Rafael Ferrer’s 1974 series, Istoria de la Isla, utilizes maps to reflect Puerto Rico’s intricate history and identity. The artist connects emotionally to the island’s legacy, emphasizing resilience amidst external challenges. As a Latina educator, the author aims to educate younger generations about their culture and history to foster pride and inter-cultural understanding.

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Grid of four Puerto Rican paintings recreated by a woman named Nellie Escalante

Recreating Puerto Rican Art: A Personal Journey

2 Comments / Art + Art history, Puerto Rican Art History, Uncategorized /

During the pandemic, the author recreated iconic Puerto Rican artworks to highlight cultural contributions often overlooked. Each piece served as an inspiration, reflecting strength, faith, and resilience. Through these recreations, the author explored personal identity and empowerment while sharing the rich history of Puerto Rican art, especially focusing on women’s narratives.

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compilation of images of women using their sewing machines in Latin American Art

The Sewing Machine in Latino/Latin American Art

Art + Art history, Mexican Art, Puerto Rican Art History /

September is National Sewing Month, inspiring a celebration of Latin American art featuring sewing themes. Highlights include Fernando Botero’s “Taller de costura,” which captures Colombian life and “boterismo,” and Antonio Martorell’s “La Playa Negra,” symbolizing Puerto Rican migrant struggles. Also featured are Yolanda López’s feminist “Our Lady of Guadalupe” series, Diego Rivera’s revolution-themed murals, and Agustin Lazo’s intimate, surreal seamstress paintings.

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General in front of a window in 18th century Puerto Rico

“El Gobernador Don Manuel Antonio de Ustáriz” by Afro-Puerto Rican artist, Jose Campeche

Art + Art history, Puerto Rican Art History /

The perspective view of San Juan’s Fortaleza Street in the portrait of El Gobernador Don Manuel Antonio de Ustáriz from 1792 is Puerto Rican artist José Campeche’s affectionate tribute to his native city. It is also a portrait that reveals the history of Puerto Rico during the latter part of the 18th century.  Who was

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young woman with head scarf and sweater with a basket on shoulder holding a branch from a coffee shrub. Sky and landscape in the background

“Caracolillo” by Ramón Frade: Coffee and Neighbors in Art 

Puerto Rican Art History, Uncategorized /

About the Artwork In this coffee art painting by Ramón Frade, Caracolillo, we see a young lady picking coffee beans off of a bush. She smiles at the viewer, land and sky behind her, the wicker basket, front and center, this act very much part of her identity. Nothing else matters but this moment ,

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dark skinned man looking to the side with a red floppy hat

Puerto Rican Woman Artist – Amalia Cleto Noa- Women’s History Month

Art + Art history, Puerto Rican Art History /

When you think of 19th century Puerto Rico, the artist that comes to mind is  Francisco Oller. But there was a trio of artists who were sisters who formed part of the artistic community at that time. I am talking about Amalia, Asunción and Magdalena Cleto Noa.  Art education in Puerto Rico begins with three

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