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