Carmen Torruella-Quander
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Welcome to Bahia
Oil on canvas, 35 x 24 in., at $6,000.00
Oil on canvas, 35 x 24 in., at $6,000.00
Bahia is the state in Brazil with the largest population descended from African Slaves. 'Baianas' are the women you see dressed in the traditional white skirts, lace blouse, and African turban. This lovely lady welcomes you to Carnaval in Salvador de Bahia, where it is free to attend the festivities that last for six days and six nights. Here the music is an Afro-Bahian music genre that incorporates samba-reggae, calypso, and frevo.
About The Artist
Artist Statement
It is believed the Dominican Republic was the first in the 'New World' to observe the pre-Lenten Carnival custom. Throughout the country of the Dominican Republic, Carnaval is celebrated the entire month of February, culminating on or near the 27th of February, the Dominican Independence Day.
The use of masks to symbolize spiritual, supernatural and unknown spirit world entities since before recorded history, The Tainos, the native people of the island, had their own festivities long before the arrival of the Spaniards. Called 'areitos' these served to celebrate planting and harvest times. With the arrival of the Spanish and their African Slaves, the newarrivals brought with them carnival celebrations from their respective countries. The Africans contributed the vibrant colors, and some of the traditions of making frightening masks, the musical instruments, dance and songs.
Along with the arrival of Columbus and his entourage came European religion. The Spaniards believed carnival was mostly 'pagan' so they added their religious inflections to the celebrations. Carnaval has been celebrated in the Dominican Republic since the mid 1500's and before. There is proof of carnival found in La Ruinas de la Vega/The Ruins of the Old Fertile Valley.
Bio
As a first Generation Dominican-American, raised in Washington D.C.. Bilingual and bicultural I am proud to be able to bring a little Dominican representation to this show. Through my work I strive to bring calm but passionate response to ordinary subjects, and elect to do so in vibrant color to reflect my Afro-Latino heritage.
Although my art education was formal -
The Corcoran School of Art, Pratt Institute, The Arts Students League, NewYork University, The Catholic University of America and The Repin Institute of FineArts, St Petersburg, Russia - an equal component of my education and training has been inspired by world travel complemented with exotic experiences and wonderful memories.
It is believed the Dominican Republic was the first in the 'New World' to observe the pre-Lenten Carnival custom. Throughout the country of the Dominican Republic, Carnaval is celebrated the entire month of February, culminating on or near the 27th of February, the Dominican Independence Day.
The use of masks to symbolize spiritual, supernatural and unknown spirit world entities since before recorded history, The Tainos, the native people of the island, had their own festivities long before the arrival of the Spaniards. Called 'areitos' these served to celebrate planting and harvest times. With the arrival of the Spanish and their African Slaves, the newarrivals brought with them carnival celebrations from their respective countries. The Africans contributed the vibrant colors, and some of the traditions of making frightening masks, the musical instruments, dance and songs.
Along with the arrival of Columbus and his entourage came European religion. The Spaniards believed carnival was mostly 'pagan' so they added their religious inflections to the celebrations. Carnaval has been celebrated in the Dominican Republic since the mid 1500's and before. There is proof of carnival found in La Ruinas de la Vega/The Ruins of the Old Fertile Valley.
Bio
As a first Generation Dominican-American, raised in Washington D.C.. Bilingual and bicultural I am proud to be able to bring a little Dominican representation to this show. Through my work I strive to bring calm but passionate response to ordinary subjects, and elect to do so in vibrant color to reflect my Afro-Latino heritage.
Although my art education was formal -
The Corcoran School of Art, Pratt Institute, The Arts Students League, NewYork University, The Catholic University of America and The Repin Institute of FineArts, St Petersburg, Russia - an equal component of my education and training has been inspired by world travel complemented with exotic experiences and wonderful memories.
