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From the Altos de Chavón School of Art and Design, to the “Hall of Winners” exhibit in Altos de Chavón, to the Museum of Modern Art in Santo Domingo, we’ve interviewed artist Modesto Santiago on his experiences at the Altos de Chavón School of Design, as well as his art.
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 all over the world.
As a continuation of our “Chavoneros Stories” series, today we present Modesto Santiago, an artist inspired by nature, who came to the Altos de Chavón School of Design in 2008, and whose work is now being presented in the “Hall of Winners” exhibition at The Gallery in Altos de Chavon, a showcase of amazing artists (who are also Chavón alumni!) chosen by the Dominican National Biennale of Visual Arts. The exhibit in Altos de Chavón closes on June 24th, so go see it while you can!
@cdcliving: When did you first come to Altos de Chavón and why did you decide to study here?
I came to Altos de Chavón in 2008, motivated by the quality of the school, it being the best design school in the country, as well as the great results given by the school’s alums. All this was what made me say “I want to get into that school.”
@cdcliving: How would you describe your experience in the Altos de Chavón School of Design?
The experience within the Altos de Chavón School of Design is unique in that, apart from receiving so much information about art, you also learn how to live with your peers. It’s a short two year experience that changes you for the rest of your life.
@cdcliving: What is your biggest inspiration in your artwork?
My biggest inspiration is nature. It is the perfect model.
@cdcliving: What artist do you most admire and identify yourself with?
I greatly admire impressionist artists, Claude Monet most of all. I adore his way of applying paint into incredible brushstrokes.
@cdcliving: What are your plans for the future?
To be able to display my artwork outside of the country, where I can truly display my voice and have my work appreciated by a wider audience.
@cdcliving: How does it feel to have your work showcased in the Hall of Winners?
This experience with my schoolmates in this “Hall of Winners” exhibition makes me feel like a winner. Firstly, for having shared it with schoolmates who create in different styles, and secondly, for sharing in the marvelous and important gallery that is the Altos de Chavón Gallery. 
@cdcliving: Did you always know you would pursue a career in the arts?
Yes, because it’s what gives me passion, and I believe that if you do what you truly love, you will keep going and overcome the obstacles that stand before you.
@cdcliving: At what age did you discover your passion for the arts? What did you create at first?
From a very early age, I felt a strong passion for drawing and the comic strips that would show up in newspapers. I’d try to draw them, and eventually ended up placing sheets of paper over used newspapers to try to draw over them properly.
@cdcliving: How has your art evolved since you started at the Altos de Chavón School of Design? Has it changed your manner of seeing things?
My art has evolved greatly. The Altos de Chavón School of Design has taught me to conceptualize, which is a very important part for an artist and what isn’t, which has showed me how to better observe my surroundings, see things that I didn’t give much importance to previously, and now, with new-found knowledge obtained from the School, those things are much more precious to me.
@cdcliving: Which painting are you most proud of? Why?
The piece I’m most proud of is the piece that contains a beehive, since, upon painting it, I felt truly moved by it, and formed a bond with the painting. The result was very satisfactory for me, since the topic it expounds upon is the individualism that exists between us, while also promoting working as a team.
@cdcliving: Is artistic prowess something that runs in your family are have you been the first one in taking that path?
I’m the first person in family to take on the arts, and I feel very happy with what I do.
@cdcliving: How would you describe your style?
Vanguardist impressionism.
@cdcliving: What was your inspiration for the pieces currently hung in the Hall of Winners Exhibit?
The individualism which we celebrate and live within nowadays.
@cdcliving: What would you say is the underlying message in these pieces?
The most important message I want to get across is that working as a team, we can do anything we set our minds to, especially when people work together to contribute positive ideas, for whatever the situation might be.
Below is a gallery of more of Modesto’s amazing artwork!
“Hall of Winners” art exhibit
When: Thursday, June 12th – Tuesday, June 24th (The gallery does not open on Wednesdays)
Where: Altos de Chavón Main Gallery
Contact: (809)523-8470
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.