| Caribbean culture has always had a close | | | | influence the images. |
| relationship with the arts. As more and more | | | | |
| artists from the region attract international | | | | Artistic Discovery |
| acclaim and attention, the unique style of | | | | |
| Caribbean painters is becoming accessible to | | | | Find fine Caribbean art on many islands, |
| wider and more diverse audiences. | | | | however, Cuban artists have been flourishing |
| | | | since the beginning of the 20th century. The |
| Music and literature are, perhaps, the | | | | political strife on Haiti and Cuba in |
| best-known Caribbean art forms. Famous names | | | | particular have provided island artists the |
| like musician Bob Marley and poet Derek | | | | opportunity to express complex emotions and |
| Walcott have created works the whole world | | | | political beliefs through their paintings. |
| enjoys. But painting is growing as a | | | | These offer more than simply views of people, |
| recognized form of expression. Paintings that | | | | but views of a lifestyle |
| offer colorful depictions of island life and | | | | |
| scenery in particular are popular, and Cuba, | | | | Cuba's Wilfredo Lam was one of the first |
| Haiti, and Jamaica are the best known among | | | | Caribbean artists to gain worldwide |
| these artistic islands. | | | | recognition. He was known as an associate of |
| | | | both Picasso and Georges Braque. Lam's |
| Art History | | | | success and popularity quickly turned the art |
| | | | world's attention toward the entire region. |
| The unique sights and sounds of the Caribbean | | | | |
| have always been an inspiration to any who | | | | Fine works of art can be found on islands |
| experience them. The bright colors of the | | | | throughout the Caribbean, including Barbados, |
| region's landscapes and vibrant personalities | | | | Jamaica, Martinique, Haiti, the Dominican |
| of its people are particularly important in | | | | Republic, and Cuba. Though many of the |
| the region. The Caribbean's art history does | | | | world's most famous galleries now have |
| contain a few surprises. Both Camille | | | | Caribbean collections, the Internet has also |
| Pissarro and John Audubon, famous artists, | | | | helped art aficionados access these unique |
| were born in the Caribbean. Although their | | | | styles by allowing people to view artists' |
| styles are not typical of the area, they have | | | | works online without having to catch a plane |
| been influential in the development of the | | | | or physically travel to a gallery or museum |
| region's art. | | | | that features Caribbean artists. |
| | | | |
| John Audubon was born in Haiti and moved to | | | | However, fine works of art from many |
| France at a young age. His study of birds | | | | countries throughout the Caribbean also make |
| took off after his later move to America. | | | | popular souvenirs for those who do visit. |
| Similarly, Pissarro was born on St. Thomas in | | | | Travelers enjoy bringing them home, and, |
| the U.S. Virgin Islands, then at the age of | | | | luckily, fine arts are not included in the |
| 12 he moved to France. After he completed | | | | customs allowance for travelers returning to |
| school, Pissarro returned to St. Thomas. When | | | | the United States from the Caribbean. |
| he moved to Paris a second time, he became | | | | |
| very influential among the Impressionists. | | | | For anyone who craves visual art that is |
| | | | unique and refreshing, the beautiful works of |
| However, Europe may only lay claim to some of | | | | Caribbean painters are a breath of fresh air. |
| the influences behind Caribbean artwork. | | | | Artists who use the Caribbean's one-of-a-kind |
| African and Latin American styles are also | | | | scenery and lifestyle as the basis for their |
| strongly represented. African colors and | | | | art provide a new and creative way to view |
| people are often the subjects of paintings, | | | | paradise. |
| with shades of Latin American styles to | | | | |