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Artist Cándido Bidó Brings Dominican Republic Alive

Posted by Nellie Huang in Local Characters - (0 Comments)

For the uninitiated, the Dominican Republic is more than just golden sandy beaches, tropical forests and a Jurassic Park-esque setting. Beneath its surface, there is a world of rich culture, intriguing history and most of all, world-class contemporary art.

Dominican Republic is home to world famous contemporary artist Cándido Bidó, whose work had earned him international fame in Europe, the United States and the Middle East. His works were highly sought after by foreigner collectors scattered in the five continents and have even earned him awards such as First Prize in the 12th Biennial of the Fine Arts (for his work ‘Los amantes de la aldea’). As one of the most famous artists in Dominican Republic, he not only introduced art to the Dominican Republic – he also introduced DR to the world.

Born in the central town Bonao in 1936, Bidó had always been inspired by his hometown. Native Wildlife, countryside and nature were elements that were well reflected in their work. With the use of oil, crayon and gouache, he gave his paintings a sense of joy, freshness, tenderness and poetry. He liked to reflect the faces of fruits, flowers and the sun in the Antillean Caribbean landscape. His paintings reflected a love for the people of his country. Bidó was totally devoted to his drawings and paintings, with the sole intention of giving the best of himself and his art. Sadly, he passed away just this March, leaving a legend behind him.

If you’re interested in learning more about Bidó or his art during your Dominican vacation, visit the Museum of Modern Art in Santo Domingo where a collection of his best works are on display. To dive deeper, head to Bonao, Bidó’s hometown. Candido Bidó founded the Museum in the Plaza de la Cultura of Bonao, where his works are on permanent display along with those of other great Dominican painters such as Guillo Pérez, Elsa Nunez and Alonso Cuevas. You’ll also get to see works by American painters like Orlando Vallejo and Alfredo Sinclair. While in Bonao, you can also visit the painting school that was set up by Bidò. With the intention of providing arts education, entertainment and cultural services to the community of the Cibao, he truly contributed immensely to the artistic development of his hometown.

Photo | SpecialKRB

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El Greco’s Art Puts Crete on the World Map

Posted by Nellie Huang in Local Characters - (0 Comments)

Greece

The largest of the Greek islands, Crete bursts with local culture, rich history and a strong identity tracing back to the Byzantine period. Located in the southernmost part of the Aegean Sea, the isle is now one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe. But besides turquoise beaches, hiking trails and archaeological offerings, few know that Crete is also home to some of the most famous artworks in the world.

El Greco and Crete

When Crete was under Venetian ruling, a Renaissance swept through the island and literally put the island on the map. Crete became a center of post-Byzantine art and the birthplace of numerous legendary artists. One of the most reputed representations of this Renaissance was the artist, El Greco.

The noble painter, sculptor and architect, Doménikos Theotokópoulos (“El Greco” was his nickname, meaning “the Greek”) married Byzantine traditions with Western styles and created uproar in the art scene. He quickly gained a reputation for his dramatic and expressionistic artistic style and soon was recognized for his eclectic talent. Many of his artworks can be found in the Historical Museum of Crete, including the world-renowned painting “The Baptism of Christ.”

Cultural and Artistic Tour of Crete

Today’s Crete might no longer be the center of arts, but its archaeological and cultural attractions are well worth a visit. As the hub of the Minoan civilization, Crete was home to numerous palaces and monasteries during its heyday. The largest archaeological site on Crete is the ruins of the Knossos Palace featuring labyrinths of living spaces, store rooms and mosaic-tiled walls. This was once the ceremonial and political stronghold of the Minoan civilization. Another site worth visiting is Phaistos, a palace dating back to the Middle Bronze Age. For a deeper look into Crete’s history, get a crash course in history at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

For those hoping to relax on their summer vacation, there are plenty of beaches scattered along the coastline – the best ones include Rethymno, Elounda and the isolated Vai palm beach. Crete hotels are usually located on the beachfront – if you’re looking for tranquility, head out to Agios Nikolais; for those seeking good nightlife, Chania will be right up your alley.

Photo | bazylek100

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Fire and Art: César Manrique’s Lanzarote

Posted by Nellie Huang in Local Characters - (0 Comments)

What to do in Spain, Lanzarote

Dry, fiery and dramatic: the landscapes of the Spanish island of Lanzarote are like no other. Born through volcanic eruptions millennia ago, the northernmost of the Canary Islands off the west coast of Africa has since been sculpted by the hands of Mother Nature. Today, the island is home to beautiful beaches as well as stunning volcanic caves and formations.

But amidst the grey volcanic ash and lime-green lagoons of Lanzarote, I’m surprised to find the presence of art. Not just any art, but an immaculate immersion of abstract art in nature.

It’s the creation of César Manrique, an iconic architect, sculptor and artist who is said to have ‘made’ Lanzarote.

The Father of Lanzarote

Manrique was born and raised in Lanzarote, but his love for abstract art only intensified in Madrid and New York, where his talent flourished.

“When I returned from New York, I came with the intention of turning my native island into one of the more beautiful places in the planet.”

He lived up to his words: It is impossible now to imagine Lanzarote without César Manrique. He sculpted the island with his artistic style, giving it a strong identity and character. Today’s Lanzarote sports striking landmarks that display his unique flair: from the stunning grotto of the Jameos del Agua to the viewpoint, Mirador del Rio.

Lanzarote Attractions

Jameos del Agua was originally a grotto, but has now been transformed into a modern museum. Resembling a contemporary art gallery set within a jungle, Jameos del Agua has an oasis-like setting featuring luscious palms, abstract paintings, white-washed tunnels and open-roofed patios.

On the high escarpment of Batería del Río stands the Mirador del Río overlook, which offers some of the best views on the island. César’s style is on full display here: the mirador features a balustraded café with a minimalist design, and a platform that has been integrated into the lava rocks above.

César’s desire to live with the volcanic lava led him to build his own house in the Taro de Tahiche, which has been converted into the César Manrique Foundation. Here, you’ll find yourself walking into an oasis in the center of a river of petrified bluish-black lava. This is the best place to find out more about Lanzarote and Manrique.

These attractions are just a short drive away from most Lanzarote hotels. Most also organize day trips to these museums.

Photo | Nellie Huang

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Malaga Through the Eyes of Pablo Picasso

Posted by Nellie Huang in Local Characters - (0 Comments)

What to do in Spain, Malaga city

So what has Malaga got to do with world-renowned artist Pablo Picasso? Malaga is, after all, a city more famous for beaches, historical buildings and bullfighting than say, art. Picasso, on the other hand, is a painter and sculptor who’s given the modern art world Cubism and a wide variety of avant-garde art styles.

It comes as a surprise to many that not only is Malaga the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, it is also home to a plethora of Picasso-related attractions. For modern art fans, Malaga keeps the Picasso legacy alive, sharing his story with the rest of the world.

Picasso Museum in Malaga

Although Pablo Picasso left Malaga at an early age, the city left an imprint on his life. The Museo Picasso Malaga aims to conserve Picasso’s work and serve as a cultural center to educate the public. It showcases an impressive permanent collection, mostly provided by relatives of the artist. You can also see fragments of Malaga’s history in the ground beneath the Picasso Museum, where Moorish, Roman and Phoenician remains, the latter as old as the seventh century B.C., are preserved.

To continue on the Picasso route through Malaga, head to the Museo Casa Natal de Picasso. This was his birthplace and family home, which has been converted into an art museum, with temporary exhibitions that include a collection of Picasso’s ceramics.

Beaches in Malaga, Plus Attractions Galore

Where is Malaga? The beautiful city lies along the Costa del Sol on the Mediterranean Sea, enjoying a subtropical climate all year round. With one of the warmest temperatures in Europe, the city’s summer season lasts for eight months, making it an excellent place to relax and soak up the sun even in winter. Malaga has a city beach close to its historical center, although most of the region’s best beaches are located outside of the city. Check out beach towns like Torremolinos, Marbella and Fuengirola for upscale hotels and good eats, but be warned, they also get rather crowded in summer.

Located in the Andalusia province of Spain, Malaga makes a great base to explore surrounding nature and villages. Within one hour’s drive away is Ronda, an attractive city perched on the Tajo Canyon. Another popular daytrip option is a visit to the Alhambra, a monumental Moorish palace in Granada that draws millions to its gates each year.

Photo | Helen Flamme

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