| Without a doubt, visual art is one of the | | | | images.Artistic DiscoveryFine Caribbean art |
| most important aspects of Caribbean culture. | | | | can be found on many islands, but Cuban arts |
| And as more and more artists from the region | | | | have been flourishing since the beginning of |
| attract international acclaim and attention, | | | | the 20th century, and political strife on |
| the unique style of Caribbean painters is | | | | Haiti and Cuba in particular have provided |
| becoming accessible to wider and more diverse | | | | artists the opportunity to express complex |
| audiences.Music and literature typically | | | | emotions and political beliefs through their |
| represent Caribbean art forms, with big | | | | paintings.Cuba's Wilfredo Lam was one of the |
| names such as musician Bob Marley and poet | | | | first Caribbean artists to gain worldwide |
| Derek Walcott leading the pack. But painting | | | | recognition. He was an associate of both |
| is growing as a recognized form of | | | | Picasso and Georges Braque, which added to |
| expression. Colorful depictions of island | | | | his success. The popularity of Lam |
| life are especially popular in Cuba, Haiti, | | | | |
| and Jamaica.Art HistoryThe Caribbean has | | | | quickly turned the art world's attention |
| always inspired through its unique sights and | | | | toward the entire region.Fine works of art |
| sounds. The bright colors of the region's | | | | can be found on islands throughout the |
| landscapes and vibrant personalities of its | | | | Caribbean, including Barbados, Jamaica, |
| people are particularly strong artistic | | | | Martinique, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, |
| motivators. However, Caribbean art history | | | | and Cuba. The Internet has also helped catch |
| does contain a few surprises. Two famous | | | | the eye of art aficionados by allowing people |
| artists, Camille Pissarro and John Audubon, | | | | to view artists' works online without having |
| were born in the Caribbean. Although their | | | | to catch a plane or physically travel to a |
| styles are not typical of the area, they have | | | | gallery or museum that features Caribbean |
| been influential in the development of | | | | artists.However, fine works of art from many |
| regional art.Pissarro was born on St. Thomas | | | | countries throughout the Caribbean also make |
| in the U.S. Virgin Islands, then at the age | | | | popular souvenirs for those who do visit. |
| of 12 he moved to France. After he completed | | | | Travelers enjoy bringing them home, and, |
| school, Pissarro returned to St. Thomas. When | | | | luckily, fine arts are not included in the |
| he moved to Paris a second time, Pissarro | | | | customs allowance for travelers returning to |
| became very influential among Impressionist | | | | the United States from the Caribbean.For |
| painters. Similarly, John Audubon was born in | | | | anyone who craves visual art that is unique |
| Haiti and moved to France at a young age. His | | | | and refreshing, the beautiful works of |
| study of birds took off during his later move | | | | Caribbean painters are a breath of fresh air. |
| to America.However, Europe may only lay claim | | | | Artists who use the Caribbean's one-of-a-kind |
| to some of the influences behind Caribbean | | | | scenery and lifestyle as the basis for their |
| artwork. African and Latin American styles | | | | art provide a new and creative way to view |
| are also strongly represented. African colors | | | | paradise.Jennifer Smith writes for |
| and people are often the subjects of | | | | Bermuda-Guide.info, PuertoRico-Guide.info, |
| paintings, with shades of Latin American | | | | and other Segisys travel Web sites. |
| influence in the stylization of the | | | | |