As a passionate art collector and the Rector of the Altos de Chavón School of Art and Design, Stephen Kaplan is always on the look out for new artistic talent. Here Stephen shares with us his discovery of the craftsman from The Cultural Center of Cayuco, who will be presented the next art exhibit “Flor de Cayuco” at the Altos de Chavón art gallery.
Chiseled Celebrations of Faith: Santos de Palos from Grupo Cayuco
– by Stephen Kaplan
Grupo Cayuco is a cooperative of the most marvelous artisans from the Miches region, who take santos de palo—saints carved from wooden poles—to another dimension. Using wood the way Michelangelo would use marble, they allow the grain and idiosyncrasies of the stick or pole they carve to suggest the figure that will emerge. Their unexpected sensitivity to form and surface, to texture and gesture, brings their work to a level far above that of the classically rustic santo de palo. They are craftsmen with an understanding of the power of work so well done that it disarms the viewing public.
At a Christmastime craft fair in Santo Domingo I came across the stall from which Grupo Cayuco was selling its creations. I was with a sophisticated New Yorker, and the two of us were dumbstruck by the nuance, humor, and zeal the works presented. From Noah’s Arks brimming with wonderful beasts to Madonnas, each piece was thought out and rendered in a way that speaks of these artisans’ value for skill. The carving, coupled with the subtle tones of the painted patinas, gave the works an appearance of venerability.
I bought a gentle Jesus who cradled the Sacred Heart in his hands, the expression on his face exclaiming his amazement at his own godliness. Each time I return to the piece I feel like it has more life, more presence, more mystical force within it. The piety of the maker glows in the wood of these santos. Their authenticity and candor make each piece come alive.
The members of Grupo Cayuco bring forth truly original and heartfelt sculptures that offer us a paean to the pantheon of deities, a celebration of life and art, and a testament to the faith of these dedicated craftsmen. They are a joy to see and glorious to own.
The “Flor de Cayuco” art exhibit will be inaugurated with a cocktail celebration from 7pm at the Altos de Chavón art gallery on Saturday June 16th – we look forward to seeing you there!
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Article contributed by Stephen Kaplan – Thank you Stephen!
Stephen Kaplan is the Rector of the Altos de Chavón School of Art and Design
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