As a lover of Puerto Rican art, there is a painting that has long appealed to me for many reasons. It’s this 1808 work by the great 18th-century Puerto Rican artist José Campeche, Niño Juan Pantaleón Avilés. The painting was commissioned in 1804 by Juan Alejo de Arizmendi , the, then, newly appointed Bishop of […]
“Niño Juan Pantaleón Avilés” by José Campeche Read More »
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.
Rafael Ferrer: Istoria de la Isla, 1974: Floating Island of Resistance Read More »
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.
Recreating Puerto Rican Art: A Personal Journey Read More »
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.
The Sewing Machine in Latino/Latin American Art Read More »
What do you See? I facilitated a program at El Museo del Barrio last week for Arts & Minds, an organization that offer art experiences for people living with dementia and their caregivers. One of the works we looked at was La Cama, 1987 (Collection: El Museo del Barrio, Latino art museum), by Puerto Rican
“La Cama” by Puerto Rican Artist, Pepón Osorio Read More »
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
About the Art work We see a man standing reading the newspaper. Behind him is a gate, taller than the man with, what seems to look like, tropical vegetation being kept from the man, peaking through the openings, and some managing to escape the gate and stand next to him on either side. What plants
“Noviembre 1976” by Puerto Rican artist, Myrna Báez Read More »
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 ,
“Caracolillo” by Ramón Frade: Coffee and Neighbors in Art Read More »
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
Puerto Rican Woman Artist – Amalia Cleto Noa- Women’s History Month Read More »
