Short Essay: Venezuelan Art

This is a short essay about Venezuelan Art for a Spanish Course I took my junior year. 

Venezuelan art is rich in color, for my project I decided to draw and design my own festival face paint.  My art was inspired by Venezuelan artist Jesus Rafael Soto and Carlos Cruz Diez. Soto’s art uses color and space. He often plays with perception and size; many of his works are installations. Diez’s work is more two-dimensional; however he also plays with color and perception. I took the common traits from their work, the color patterns and shapes.

In Venezuela celebration is important to their culture, traditions, and heritage. Color is vital during these celebrations. During these celebrations the cities are lit up, with beautiful decorations and clothing. Festivals in Venezuela are like big holidays to the United States, (It is similar to Christmas) where family and friends gather together to have a great time.            

I specifically chose “Carnival in Venezuela” which is an annual event. The Carnival happens in February and usually goes on for 40 days before Easter Sunday. Water balloons are thrown to celebrate. In 1853, a town called El Callao was founded by British, French and Americans in search of gold; they brought Africans to slave and do most of the labor.  The Carnival began as a way to abandon their differences for a few days and celebrate in unity. People dress up in colorful clothes, paint their faces, dance, and play music. The common color scheme are bright colors like reds, yellow, oranges, and whites to give a warm cheery festive feel.