Costa Rica's rich cultural diversity is reflected not only by its diverse landscape but also its varied forms of art. Over the last few centuries, a variety of different ethnic groups from Central America and the Caribbean have inhabited the area, resulting in a wide range of art styles that can be seen in Costa Rican artwork. Most of the indigenous Costa Rican population is Catholic and, as such, tends to favor figurative paintings with vivid colors and detailed designs. Another influence on Costa Rican art has been European. Many indigenous Costa Rican art pieces are based on Spanish or Portuguese styles, especially when it comes to architecture. However, at the start of the twentieth century, for many wealthy Costa Rican citizens, it was common for Spanish-speaking artists to have private portraits painted by Europeans.
The most dominant cultural influences on Costa Rican art are European. Indigenous art from Costa Rica is less influential and more realistic than its Spanish-speaking counterparts. The abundance of nature and the abundance of natural resources contribute to the relatively accurate depictions of nature and the richness of Costa Rica's culture. As a result, many Costa Rican artists are able to portray the richness of Costa Rica's natural resources and culture, in combination with their artistic ability to capture the expressions of those resources and culture on a large scale.
In comparison to the more realistic style of Spanish art, most contemporary art from Costa Rica features bold, vibrant colors, vibrant designs, and a clear sense of detail. Some modern Costa Rican artists are able to combine these bolder colors with elements like geometric shapes to create unique modern paintings that are striking in their depiction of nature and the world as a whole. Other modern Costa Rica paintings, often inspired by nature, focus on plant life or the effects of air on water.
One of the most popular genres of contemporary Costa Rican art is the creation of landscapes. The creation of beautiful farmhouses and cityscapes is common among many of the Costa Rican artists who are able to use elements such as color and form to create an impression of realistic vegetation and buildings. Another trend seen in modern Costa Rican art is the use of real or artificial rocks to symbolize mountains and other natural features that Costa Rica's geography affords. This trend is often used to emphasize the importance of places such as volcanoes, caves, and other natural attractions. More traditionally, however, the use of rocks created in this manner is used to highlight the landscape and the beauty found within it.
One of the most popular genres of contemporary Costa Rica art is that of the creation of portraits. Many of the artists who specialize in portrait paintings have actually come from families that have long roots in the area of art. As a result, these families have a deep understanding of not only Costa Rica's geography but of how to best capture the true nature of a person through their facial features. As a result, many of these artists are able to take a simple, natural face and transform it into a work of art that will astound those who view it.
It should be noted that while the prevalence of Latin American style in contemporary Costa Rica art may have you wondering how this can be possible, there actually is a simple explanation. In much of Latin America, the entire population consists of people who have come from other countries of Latin America and whose culture has been influenced by the native people of those places. Naturally, since there are so many of these people in a given area, they will all tend to create styles that are similar. In fact, most of the native Mexican art seen in Mexico would be hard to find if it weren't for the influence of the native folks of Central Mexico.
This kind of cross-cultural impact is also something you'll find in the works of Costa Rican artists of the early 20th century. This was a period when mass hysteria and a desire for sensationalism had gripped the American population and had begun to change the way Westerners looked at Mexican art. For example, one of the most popular works of art in the early 19th century was a painting called The Day I Swapped My Father for Pecos. This work, which depicts a boy swinging on a horse and giving a tooth pulling demonstration, is said to be the result of a cross-cultural exchange between Mexican and American authors, publishers, and illustrators.
So the next time you see a painting of a horse pulling a pail of water, don't think of Latin American style and don't think of Pecos, either. Instead, consider the real reason that The Day I Swapped My Father For Pecos was drawn: to make a point about the need for diversification in all kinds of artistic forms. Costa Rican ("tico") artists have used this notion throughout their art, drawing on both Western and Mexican cultures to craft beautiful pieces of art that can be enjoyed by anyone anywhere. Now you know what to look for when you spot a Tico or Costa Rican antioxydant in a painting! Enjoy your travels and I hope you enjoy aboutc comprar en Costa Rica as much as I do.
