Caribbean Connections

Caribbean Connections

Miami, although not located in the Caribbean, is the most Caribbean city per capita in the United States. The intertwined diasporas that call the city home create a vibrant tapestry of Caribbean culture. Although Miami is not geographically in the Caribbean, it undeniably embodies the spirit of the region. The city's unique perspective on the Caribbean and its deep understanding of its culture have significantly influenced Miami. Furthermore, Miami and the Dominican Republic share an Atlantic coast that historically served as a conduit between the Tainos, the indigenous people of the Dominican Republic, and the continent.

Santo Domingo, as the first permanent settlement of the "New World" and capital of the West Indies, holds historical significance as a starting point for the dissemination of European culture and the conquest of the continent. Being in a city with such a rich history adds depth to our understanding of the Caribbean.

Caribbean Connections seeks to illuminate these connections and debunk stereotypes about Caribbean art, while celebrating the broad reach of its diaspora. With this, the exhibition aims to offer a multifaceted representation of the Caribbean. It strives to facilitate a dialogue between artists, highlighting the shared influences and similarities between Miami and the Caribbean. After enduring generations of colonialism, power struggles, and cultural amalgamation, can a single definition truly encapsulate this region and its art?Miami, although not located in the Caribbean, is the most Caribbean city per capita in the United States. The intertwined diasporas that call the city home create a vibrant tapestry of Caribbean culture. Although Miami is not geographically in the Caribbean, it undeniably embodies the spirit of the region. The city's unique perspective on the Caribbean and its deep understanding of its culture have significantly influenced Miami. Furthermore, Miami and the Dominican Republic share an Atlantic coast that historically served as a conduit between the Tainos, the indigenous people of the Dominican Republic, and the continent.

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Meet the Artist: Fidel Lopez

Meet the Artist: Fidel Lopez

In the realm of contemporary art, where boundaries blur and creativity knows no limits, Fidel López emerges as a multidisciplinary visual artist whose work resonates with depth and innovation. Hailing from Santo Domingo, Fidel's artistic journey has been one of exploration, experimentation, and a deep connection to the essence of his surroundings.

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Meet the Artist: Jonathan Carela

Meet the Artist: Jonathan Carela

Meet Jonathan Carela, a passionate and talented Dominican interdisciplinary artist and cinema author, currently based in Bonao, Dominican Republic. This August, Carela is embarking on an exciting new chapter in his artistic journey as he participates in the renowned Edge Zones Artist Residency. With a deep-rooted desire to portray Dominican pop culture and human behavior in the Caribbean, Carela's work delves into the intricacies of daily life, personal experiences, and the rich cultural tapestry that defines the region. Through diverse media like painting and film, he artfully addresses contemporary issues of race and identity, opening up dialogues that resonate far beyond the Caribbean shores.

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Meet the Artist: Charo

Meet the Artist: Charo

Charo Oquet, a native of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic is a Miami-based artist.  Her interdisciplinary work includes painting, photography, performance and installation and has been extensively exhibited internationally and has been well reviewed by art critics and recognized by scholars in books and other publications. In addition to reviews in the Miami Herald, Atlantica Art Journal, African Arts, Art in America, Art Nexus and Art New Zealand, among others, Antonio Zaya Publisher produced and distributed a  book of her work, Charo Oquet – Lo Que Ve La Sirena (2002).  Her work is also included in such books and catalogs as New Hoodoo - Art of a Forgotten Faith (2008), Files by Octavio Zaya, Miami Contemporary Artists New Zealand's National Museum Te Papa Calendar 2009, Dominican Contemporary Artists and Supermix.

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