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