If you’ve ever strolled through Old San Juan, then you know its hard, if not impossible to not take notice of the architecture, museums, galleries and the abundance of ART history at every turn.
Artistic expression has long been a hallmark of not only Puerto Rican culture, but that of almost all of the islands that make up the Caribbean. Especially amongst those that have experienced historic political and social turbulence. We can take a look as far back as to the original inhabitants of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean — the indigenous Taino and Arawak peoples and their chosen modes of expression through rock carvings and body painting as a way to tell their narratives and preserve traditions.
Fast forward to modern day and we can see that Caribbean art not only preserves ones history and culture, but also serves as a vehicle for many to express frustrations and outrage in response to issues of colonialism, disparity, migration, freedom and basic human rights.
All of which is still alive and well today, with that of the PROMESA bill recently passed in Puerto Rico. Take for example local artist, Rosenda Alvarez who, in response to the bill painted the well known “La Puerta de la Bandera” on Calle San Jose a somber black and white to exhibit a sense of mourning for Puerto Rico and its uncertain future.
This is because oppression causes pain and pain needs an outlet; a release..
© Lena del Sol Art & Wall Decor 2016
Galeria Botello is located at 208 Calle del Cristo in Old San Juan. Housed in what was once famed artist, Angel Botello’s mansion, its classically preserved with it’s white concrete walls and manages to successfully merge nature with the indoors; which is the embodiment of Caribbean life.
Angel Botello’s artistic life, passions and inspiration(s) resonate with me very deeply. He was born in Galicia, Spain on June 20, 1913. While attending art school in France, he abandoned his studies to serve in the Spanish-Civil war in 1936 by joining the Republican army. Soon after the war, he moved first to the Dominican Republic and then Haiti where he spent 10 years.
It was in Haiti that he met his wife and Art Manager, Christiane Auguste and his life changed forever.
In 1953 Botello and his family relocated to Puerto Rico and opened their first art gallery in the Caribe Hilton Hotel and later, the Galeria Botello in Old San Juan where he lived, created and loved until his death from lung cancer in 1986.
© Lena del Sol Art & Wall Decor 2016
© Lena del Sol Art & Wall Decor 2016
I’m inspired by a number of Artists — Artists that venture beyond the confines of visual art. However, Angel Botello is the epitome of an Artist who managed to identify his purpose, used every ounce of his natural talents and fearlessly used them to transform the lives of others — even right up until his death.
His works include a slew of artistic mediums — oil paintings, drawings, bronze sculptures, photography, mosaics, printmaking and wood carvings.
© Lena del Sol Art & Wall Decor 2016
Nearing the end of his life after his diagnosis’ he’s said to have created a number of pieces depicting his unyielding love for his wife and children. He’s also credited the bright colors and vibrancy of the tropics for opening a new world for him and his creativity.
As a creative being with a sometimes overwhelming desire to expand my practice to include large scale mediums (more specifically, sculptures) but who’s only temporarily limited due to a lack of studio space, I understand how the blissful exploration of one medium only leads to the desire to expand and maximize that feeling of joy that can only be found when creating something seen previously only in the minds eye.
…and since it was love and only love, that came into my life years ago and inspired me to paint — reacquainting me with aspects of myself that were previously untouched since childhood, well, I can relate to spending months, years and perhaps even a lifetime honoring that blessing through my art.
Have you ever been to Galeria Botello? Tell me about it! Comment below or as always, feel free to e-mail me here.
© Lena del Sol Art & Wall Decor 2016
Interested in visiting Galeria Botello next time you're on the island? It's worth the visit. Info and a map are below:
GALERIA BOTELLO
208 Calle del Cristo
San Juan, PR 00901
Ph. 787.723.9987
Hours: M-Sat. 10am-6pm
www.botello.com
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