The exhibition drives cultural exchange between The Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico
San Juan, Puerto Rico – The President of Fundación Cortés, Ignacio Cortés Gelpí announced the opening to the general public last Friday 28th of June, of this new exhibition as well as celebration of the strong cultural, social and commercial relationship that unites Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.
The peculiar exhibit “Tiempo, modo, lugar: Nueva Sintaxis de la plástica Dominicana” showcases the work of 14 fine artists, nine of them from the Dominican Republic and the rest foreigners, whose works are inspired in The Dominican Republic.
“At the moment the Dominican Republic is immersed in optimism and vigor worthy of acknowledgment as well as emulation in a lot of instances. “Tiempo, modo, lugar” is a glance at the current perspective of some of the leading contemporary artists from Quisqueya”, pointed out Cortés.
Cortés added that in the works displayed “you can feel the creative energy that is not only ingrained in what it means to be Dominican, but that is not afraid to search for inspiration and references in a globalized world, of which art cannot scape’”.
The exhibition focuses as well on the impact that foreign artists have had in the evolution of modern and contemporary painting in the Dominican Republic. According to Cortés, the country has served as an oasis for a group of exceptional artists, who have had the opportunity to continue and develop their work, inspiring local artists, while nourishing their own work. This is why the exhibition includes works by Dominican artists alongside works created by their foreign counterparts.
Curated by Dr. Adlin Ríos Rigau and Dr. Irene Esteves Amador, the exhibit examines works by artists Charlie Quezada, Raquel Paiewonsky, Gerard Ellis, José García Cordero, Hulda Guzmán, Jorge Pineda, Gustavo Peña, Quisqueya Henríquez, Fernando Varela, José Bedia, Ignacio Iturria, Rafael Ferrer, Eugenio Fernández Granell and Jorge Porto.
Dr. Riós Rigau was a lecturer in the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón, where she taught Art History and Appreciation since 1975. She also holds a Bachelor’s Degree by the Universidad de Barcelona and Doctor Honoris Causa by the Universidad Central de Bayamón, PR. On her part, Dr. Esteves Amador is an art historian and conservationist. She took courses in Universidad de Puerto Rico, campus de Río Piedras and the Universidad de Sevilla, in Spain, where she obtained a doctor´s degree in restoration and conservation of paintings.
“It is our goal that this exhibition will contribute in strengthing the relationship of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic even further, helping us to recognize, understand and enjoy the vitality that characterizes today the next door country”, concluded Cortés.
The gallery of the Fundación will remain open to the public, weekly and free of cost, from Wednesday to Sunday, from eleven in the morning to five in the afternoon. It is located on the second and third floor of the Casa Cortés Building, in San Francisco street #210 in Old San Juan.
About Fundación Cortés
Fundación Cortés is a nonprofit established in 2012 with the mission to educate and inspire with the passion for Caribbean Art. The foundation exhibits a selection of contemporary Caribbean artwork that’s used with educational purposes. You can follow them on social media @casacortespr and @fundacioncortes. Those interested in more information can call at 787-523-4642 or write at fundacioncortespr@gmail.com