AMAYA SALAZAR

"Portrait of a Mother", Oil on canvas

© Amaya Salazar

I have come to realize that my knowledge of Latino (especially Caribbean/Dominican) artists is very limited.  I was happy to find a Latin American Artists reference book in our school library.  As I read through it, I was excited to see that a few Dominican artists were part of the collection.  Unfortunately the reference book only included biographical information about the artists but no examples of their work.  So I jotted down a few names and looked them up online.  During my search I came across http://www.latinartmuseum.com, which included all the artists I had noted in the reference book.  I was not too intrigued by what I saw, until I came across the work of Amaya Salazar.

"In the Shadows",  Oil on canvas

© Amaya Salazar

Her use of color greatly reflect the vibrancy of the Caribbean landscape and Dominican culture.  Very much so as I remember it from my childhood.  Salazar greatly manipulates the mood of the viewer with her bright palette.  Also, the faceless nature of her figures remind me of the Muñeca sin Rostro, the faceless clay dolls/sculptures which are a staple in the traditional Dominican crafts.  I wonder if Salazar intention behind the anonymity of her figures is the same as that behind the Muñeca sin Rostro, which aim to represent the fluidity of the Dominican Mestizo heritage?  One without a distinct facial ethnic face.

"Hidden Shadows", Oil on canvas

© Amaya Salazar

"Interior Light", Oil on canvas

© Amaya Salazar