September 12th, 2015
Six months ago, Borikua artists,
María Ramos and José Sánchez, decided to work together on a huge oil on canvas.
Their idea was to collaborate on a piece that would honorably depict Taíno
Culture.
Five and a half months later, I
happened to see a picture they posted on social media that showed them both
working on the painting. I was extremely happy to see these two wonderful
artists working together. I knew that whatever they were working on, would become a masterpiece.
A couple of weeks ago, I had the
honor to go preview the painting and witness their signing it. Nothing prepared
me for the impression this painting would have on me as I walked into the
studio. “Ventana Taína” is precisely that, a window that teleports you to the
times of our Taíno ancestors prior to colonization.
The painting is 60
X 84, and it makes you feel as though you are part of that scenario. Initially
inspired by certain characteristics of Cueva
Ventana in Borikén (Puerto Rico), -which always leaves one in awe-, “Ventana
Taína” makes you feel as though you are inside the cave looking out.
The image of the child hiding behind his father makes you feel as though it is
you this young family has in front of them, as they stand at the entrance of
the cave.
There are so many
elements of our culture in this masterpiece that you can stand there for a long
period of time immersed in the details. Food, spirituality, fauna, flora, art,
skill, creativity, all is there, depicted in this magnificent painting.
I often speak about
how us (Taíno) as a Peoples, carry many things within our cellular memory.
Knowing that María Ramos and José Sánchez did not set out to paint from a
draft, but rather brush right onto the canvas, I cannot help it but be
convinced, that although they were the vessels that held the brushes and mixed
the paint, the story being told was coming right from their own cellular
memories.
As a Taíno, I feel
honored to finally see something of this magnitude that reaffirms the beauty of
our culture, and the inferred resilience of our peoples. Others will have the
opportunity to learn about our Taíno Peoples, for we are no longer invisible.
All of this made possible, as we choose to step forward to enter that cave and
take a look through “Ventana Taína”.
Tai Pelli
 |
| Artists María Ramos and José Sánchez with Tai Pelli (center) the day of the signing of "Ventana Taína" - Photo by: Villy Falcón |
“Ventana Taína” is currently being exhibited at the
Orange County Regional History Center at 65 E. Central Blvd., Orlando Florida
