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Renowned Dominican artist Manuel Macarrulla infuses the Museo Arqueológico Regional Altos de Chavón with the pulsating energy of Carnival. Scheduled to debut on Saturday, February 3, Macarrulla’s exhibition, “Traguito de Carnaval,” promises to ignite the senses and awaken the spirit of revelry within visitors.

His vibrant showcase transforms the museum’s space into a kaleidoscope of colors. As a leading voice in the Dominican diaspora, Macarrulla delves deep into cultural narratives and historical undercurrents.

With unyielding honesty, Macarrulla confronts post-colonial truths, capturing the essence of Dominican life with raw authenticity. He paints a vivid portrait of Caribbean reality through his brushstrokes—a mosaic of diversity, vibrancy, and historical resonance.

The exhibition features nine captivating works, each a testament to Dominican carnival traditions. From “diablos cojuelos” to “roba la gallina,” Macarrulla’s art bridges past and present, paying homage to Carnival’s colonial origins.

By embracing Macarrulla’s vision, the museum kickstarts the Dominican Carnival festivities and, along with the Patronato Benéfico Oriental and its various programs in Altos de Chavón, reaffirms its commitment to fostering cultural dialogue and artistic expression within the community.

Art enthusiasts and cultural connoisseurs are invited to immerse themselves in Manuel Macarrulla’s evocative showcase from February 3 to March 3, 2024, from Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The Museo Arqueológico Regional Altos de Chavón welcomes those eager to embark on this cultural journey. Anyone wishing to attend can call the museum or write via IG to access it at no cost. The exhibition starts at 5:00 p.m. for those who wish to return early to their places of origin.

Proceeds from the various projects and activities will support social programs, enabling the replication of these initiatives in vulnerable communities. These efforts align with PBO’s community empowerment programs, fostering values such as respect, solidarity, integrity, and equal opportunities.

About the artist

Manuel Macarrulla is a painter, engraver, and mask maker whose works have been exhibited in museums and galleries in New York and throughout the United States and the Dominican Republic. He studied painting at the University of Pennsylvania with Neil Welliver, Rackstraw Downes, and many others. His work with figures in settings related to his native Dominican Republic or other real or imaginary places integrates cultural significance and magical realism.

He has participated in the 20th Biennial of the Museum of Modern Art of the Dominican Republic; public collections present his work, such as: Altos de Chavón Foundation, Museum of Modern Art, Museum of the Barrio in New York, Museum of Santa Cruz in California, Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C., and Studio Museum in Harlem.