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With beautifully crafted and dark imagery, we spoke to “Hall of Winners” exhibit honoree Rafael Almánzar about what inspires his work, as well as his experiences at the Altos de Chavón School of Art and Design.
The prestigious Altos de Chavón School of Art and Design, located in Altos de Chavón, Casa de Campo, has educated many recognized international and Dominican artists since its inception in 1983, such as Grimaldy Polanco, Jenny Polanco, and Fernando Tamburini. Thanks to the impressive works undertaken by its graduates and the excellent curriculum of the School, this academy is known and recognized as a name in top quality artistic scholarship all over the world.
As a continuation of our “Chavoneros Stories” series, today we present Rafael Almánzar, an extremely talented artist who graduated from the School of Art and Design after enrolling in 2006, and whose works were recently displayed in the Altos de Chavón Gallery’s “Hall of Winners”, an exhibit of six celebrated alums of the School of Design.
@cdcliving: When did you first come to Chavón and why did you decide to study here?
I entered the School in 2006. My motive for doing so was my need to improve on my artistic knowledge and build my vision upon a different perspective.
@cdcliving: How would you describe your experience in the School?
I would describe it as an unforgettable one. I think that it let us grow and mature as individuals, and that’s something priceless, in my opinion.
@cdcliving: What is your biggest inspiration in your artwork?
My biggest inspiration is human nature and how it allows me to understand myself, as well as the world around me.
@cdcliving: What artist do you most admire and identify yourself with?
Joaquín Sorolla.
@cdcliving: What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future are to keep growing as an artist, working on my paintings and showcasing them in exhibitions. I also want to project myself internationally, so as to make my works known.
@cdcliving: How does it feel to have your work showcased in the Hall of Winners?
For me, it’s more than an honor: it’s a privilege to be able to have my work displayed in such an important gallery, especially one within the school that forged my artistic identity.
@cdcliving: Did you always know you would pursue a career in the arts?
Yes.
@cdcliving: At what age did you discover your passion for the arts? What did you create at first?
I began around the time I was seven, drawing what I’d see on TV, magazines, and Marvel Comics.
@cdcliving: How has your art evolved since you came into the School? Has it changed your manner of seeing things?
Of course it has! Before enrolling at Chavón I had a completely different perception of what art was. Chavón showed me an entire universe of possibilities that have served me greatly in evolving my artistic style.
@cdcliving: Which painting are you most proud of? Why?
I feel proud of each and every one of my works, I see them all as this one amalgam than as individual pieces. Each one of my works creates a completely different sensation in me, so I can’t really make any comparisons between them. I prefer to sum up and say they all make me equally proud.
@cdcliving: Is artistic prowess something that runs in your family are have you been the first one in taking that path?
Yes, I’ve been the first one in taking the path towards the arts.
@cdcliving: How would you describe your style?
I’d describe it as a blend between the abstract and figurative styles.
@cdcliving: What was your inspiration for the pieces currently hung in the Hall of Winners Exhibit?
My personal experiences and worries, and their relationship with the world around me.
@cdcliving: What would you say is the underlying message in these pieces?
The message that I intend to transmit is based upon the idea of projecting the vulnerability of every human being, and how exposed each one of us is to the different situational aspects that affect every individual.
Altos de Chavón School of Art and Design
The Altos de Chavón Cultural Center Foundation is a U.S. not-for- profit public charity that has a cultural and educational mission here in the Dominican Republic. The school is on a university level and offers an associate degree, with many students continuing on to Parsons School of Design (now called The Parsons New School For Design) in NY. Founded in 1983 to meet the growing commercial demands of the Dominican Republic, the School of Design offers an intensive two-year program leading to the degree of Associate in Applied Science.