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Notes on the Dominican Republic and Ramón Oviedo

Overview of the Dominican Republic

  • The Dominican Republic is located west of Cuba and shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti.
  • It is bordered to the east by Puerto Rico and is situated in the Caribbean Sea.
  • The capital city is Santo Domingo.

Population Demographics

  • The population consists mainly of a mixed race:
    • 73% are mulatos and mestizos.
    • 16% are white.
    • 11% are of African descent.

Ramón Oviedo – Expressionist Artist

  • Ramón Oviedo is known as an expressionist painter.
  • Expressionism as an art movement focuses on conveying the artist's feelings and emotions rather than depicting objective reality.
  • Oviedo’s artwork often reveals a pessimistic view of life influenced by historical circumstances.

Notable Works

  • Beach Paintings: Many of his works depict the beautiful beaches of the Dominican Republic, such as Punta Cana, known for its fine sand and clear waters.
  • Televidentes: A critical piece reflecting on TV viewers, showcasing the emotional expressions of individuals absorbed in television.

Culture of the Dominican Republic

  • Besides painting, the Dominican culture is rich with various activities:
    • Dominican Republic's Beach Culture: Beach activities are popular, with less focus on television.
    • Baseball: A significant cultural sport.
    • Music: Merengue is a prominent genre, utilizing stringed instruments and the accordion symbolic of the mix between European, African, and Taíno cultures.
    • Carnivals: Integral to Dominican tradition, featuring parades and masks influenced by African heritage.

Influences in Music and Events

  • Carnival festivities showcase traditional Dominican customs, with vibrant displays of culture through music and costumes, often made with paper mache, feathers, and other materials.

Traditional Foods of the Dominican Republic

  • Dominicans have a unique cuisine impacted by various cultures:

    • Influences are primarily criolla (Creole) and European, integrated with African characteristics.

    • Staple foods include:

    • Rice (arroz)

    • Meat (carne)

    • Beans (frijoles)

    • Vegetables (hortalizas)

    • Popular dishes:

    • La bandera: White rice, red beans, and stewed meat.

    • Sancocho: A hearty stew made with various meats, corn, beans, and vegetables.

    • Notable fruits include bananas, oranges, avocados, mangoes, lemons, cashew, and papaya.

Conclusion

  • Ramón Oviedo’s works and the overall culture of the Dominican Republic reflect a vibrant mix of emotion, historic significance, and cultural heritage, spotlighting the country's beautiful landscapes, rich traditions, and diverse cuisine.