Tag: puerto rican art

Francisco Oller: A Pioneer in Puerto Rican Art

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Early Life and Education Francisco Oller (1833-1917) stands as a towering figure in Puerto Rican art history. More than just a talented painter, Oller was a pivotal figure who bridged the artistic gap between the Caribbean and the burgeoning Impressionist movement in Europe. His prolific career, encompassing various styles and themes, not only documented Puerto Rican life but also helped shape the artistic identity of the island nation. Born into an affluent family in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, Oller’s artistic talent was evident from a young age. He received his initial…

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José Campeche: A Brushstroke of Identity in Colonial Puerto Rico

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José Campeche y Jordán, born in 1751, emerges not only as the first known Puerto Rican visual artist but also as a beacon of artistic talent and cultural representation in the midst of colonial society. His life, intertwined with the social and political tapestry of 18th-century Puerto Rico, left an indelible mark through his vibrant portraits and religious imagery, capturing the essence of a complex era. Campeche’s story begins in San Juan, where he was born to Tomás Campeche, a freed slave, and María Jordán, a Canarian native. This mixed…

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Puerto Rican Institute for the Development of the Arts

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PRIDA, Puerto Rican Institute for the Development of the Arts, is an organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Puerto Rican artists and the arts. PRIDA grew out of Comité Noviembre’s Puerto Rican Artisan Fair and Exhibit. This, the largest such fair outside of Puerto Rico, takes place in November and has brought together the best Puerto Rican artists on the east coast for a day of arts, crafts and literature since 2006. PRIDA supports Puerto Rican artists by establishing a membership program that advocates, empowers and services the…

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