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.