February 5, 2015
San Juan has some truly amazing examples of street or wall art. The subject is far too rich for any one of these missives so I’ll return to this theme occasionally, with different examples. The works are sometimes signed and dated, sometimes not. They reflect a vibrant visual artistic reality here, celebrated formally in exhibitions by local artists at the Museum of Contemporary Art located on Avenida Juan Ponce de Leon, at Parada 18. I don’t know how or who commissions these examples of wall art. I’ll investigate that, promise. I’ll give two examples of each work – one original, and one I manipulated in various ways with Adobe Photoshop®.This iguanoid creature adorns a wall in Santurce, adjacent to an entrance ramp to a highway heading south, to Caguas and Ponce. Here is the retouched version, still a work in progress. All the examples in this letter are from Santurce, a large area of metropolitan San Juan with both gritty and well-to-do neighborhoods.This example is not, so far as I can see, signed, but it has been in place for a good while, judging from the gratuitous graffiti (not without its own merits, I might add) adorning the ground level of the mural. Arquetipo signed his (her?) example, in 2013. I’m guessing s/he was hungry as s/he worked on it.I have not been able to find out anything about Arquetipo – in fact, the only reference to that name I have found is to a floral design shop, specializing in custom weddings, located in Santurce. I doubt this has anything to do with the mural.The woman on red, when retouched, reveals a nice light and shadow effect on her back.
The last one, for this letter anyway, really struck my fancy. Just imagine, she could be giving you a facial, back rub, pedicure, and Nuru massage – and all at the same time. Now, that’s a thought that should help you keep warm on the cold February nights you’ve been experiencing.
Cool.
🙂 Colorful !!
In the few times that I have visited Puerto Rico, I am left with the vibrant memory of the beautiful Art and culture, the friendly and interesting people, and the fun festivals that fill the streets.
Great Blog Jim Hassett; keep it going; I love reading about your experiences!
The Museum of Contemporary Art presently has an exhibition , Santurce no Vende. Viewing it prompted me to take an extended walk around the neighborhood. I had never walked this area and was surprised to see so much graffitti. I have always considered graffitti public art, as it is in plain view and usually on publically owned walls. I was walking along a parking lot and noticed the concrete wall separating the parking lot from the adjoining area was covered with art. I wandered towards the wall intending to snap some photos.
The lot attendant stopped me saying I could not photograph the wall as it is private. I exchanged a few words boldly stating I thought he was mistaken that it is clearly for public viewing. I honored his wish, but clearly disagreed.
Hi
My aunt is Antonia Ferrone.
She shared your wonderful blog with me.
I am coming to PR next month for the first time and am enjoying reading your blog, especially the street art part.
Thanks
Tina
I just saw the American Museum of Visionary Art in Baltimore. I think this square foot by square foot, was the best art museum I have ever seen. Medium sized–no Met or MOMA–and just wonderful. Filled with work by untrained artists, often street people and inmates, of very high quality. Colorful and whimsical. Made us laugh and cry both
Hey Jim, have a wonderful winter in San Juan! Hopefully the weather will be glorious, and you will not miss your John Deer! Haha! If we decide on Puerto Rico for our gift to each other for Christmas, we’ll get together for dinners! I’ll be in touch. Take good care (my best coffee buddy ever.)
I’m on, Jim! Wow, it’s a lot of history and information. What a wonderful blog! It’ll take some time to read, but I’m looking forward to it! Take good care, jim!