In recent years, the murals have transformed the streets of Saint Dominicturning forgotten walls into vibrant works of art. This move not only beautifies the city but also reflects the rich cultural heritage and contemporary nuances of Dominican Republic. Figures like Omar Garciaknown as Angurriahave led this movement, fusing a figurative and almost hyperrealistic style with a color palette that evokes the filters of the digital age.
Angurrialike many of his colleagues, began his muralist career by chance, inspired by friends like Potelechewho introduced it to urban art. Since then, he has not stopped painting, perfecting techniques and exploring the limits of the muralism. “The art of painting walls is not something new, we have had it in our history since the rock art even the great muralists like Diego Rivera and Siqueiros“he explains.
In Saint Dominicartists like Zanetti Candle, Silvano Lora and Angel Hache They marked the beginning of this tradition. Lora, for example, had a significant impact with the 1992 Marginal Biennial, an event that linked the muralism with social and community discourses. Today, one new generation of muralists combines that legacy with the influence of street artmoving away from traditional graffiti to create works that beautify spaces, communicate ideas and, in some cases, educate the community.
The capital has notable exponents such as Skaps, Dovente and Schack, who have led the Dominican muralism at international levels. Despite the difficulties involved in painting outdoors, such as unpredictable weather or logistical challenges, the local artistic community has managed to establish itself. “The most beautiful thing about painting on the street is the connection with people,” he says. Angurria. Many times, neighbors not only offer logistical support, such as water or coffee, but also become protectors of the mural, creating a sense of belonging in the community.
He muralism in the Dominican Republic has gained acceptance thanks to the receptivity of local authorities, brands and communities. However, challenges still exist, such as the need for greater arts education that fosters a broader understanding of urban art. Despite these limitations, the movement continues to grow, driven by initiatives such as the RD Street Art Academyfounded by Angurria and other artists to train new generations of muralists.
Leaving a mark, the shared obsession
Willy Gomez combines influences from japanese manga with Caribbean elements, creating a visual language which is both personal and universal. Their murals They capture the energy of tropical colors and the detailed aesthetics of manga, generating a dialogue between artistic traditions of the East and West.
Since he was young, Willy was fascinated by Japanese illustrations, specifically for their ability to transmit deep emotions through simple lines but loaded with details. This interest led him to incorporate manga techniques, such as the use of clean lines, dramatic contrasts and emotional expressions, to his work in murals.
Angurria It motivated him to find his own style and see mural art as a powerful tool to transform communities, beautify spaces and create a positive impact on society.
Art as an essential part of education
One of the most powerful messages that Willy Gomez transmits through its murals is the importance of art in schools. For him, art is not only a creative discipline, but also a way to develop skills such as critical thinking, empathy and self-expression.
Willy firmly believes that the art from the classroomsnot only as a subject, but as a means for children and young people to discover their potential and find new ways of relating to their environment. According to him, “art not only beautifies, but transforms, and schools are the best place to sow that seed.”
In every work he creates, Willy It not only leaves colors and shapes, but also a message of hope and the invitation to look at the world from another perspective, celebrating the cultural and creative wealth of Santo Domingo and future generations who can find in art a way to express themselves and dream. .
Saint Dominic, A city that vibrates between the stridency of a modern metropolis and the typical chaos of the third world, offers its inhabitants a range of shapes and colors captured on its walls, by urban artists who do the impossible to leave their mark in the midst of everyday life.
