In Focus: Magic realism and Caribbean folk traditions with Hulda Guzman

Hulda Guzman is a Dominican artist whose paintings blend what could be identified as painterly magical realism, attention for the supernatural and extra sensorial, as well as for the pleasures of earthly existence set in the context of tropical landscapes or modernist architectures. In her works, Guzmán celebrates Nature and all its Mysteries and is also interested in the elements of ourselves (fears and demons) that we try to repress.​ Her delicate use of gouache and ink on wood and sophisticated compositions portray scenes that speak both of Dominican and Caribbean identity and a personal and sometimes intimate view of the world.

Drawing from surrealism, Mexican muralism and Caribbean folk traditions, Guzman’s painting is an eloquent representation of her rich inner world. One in which moral schemes and rigid notions of good and bad are evaded.

“In the face of the isolating situation, I focused on depicting my spaces and surroundings. Portraying trees helped me to divert my mind from negative thoughts and visualizations, and brought my attention back to the present moment–stepping aside the mind and remembering that fear is merely imagination used poorly.”

“As for the self portraits, I feel like I began to sort of multiply: where is my point of view? Is it behind the frame painting it, or is it on the scene dancing while posing for the picture? How much is without a reflection of within? Perspective all depends on where we are standing, but also maybe how we decide to see things“

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