The Puerto Rico Connection

Old San Juan
December 2009




The Connection


I read a great article in the New York Times about Carmen Herrera being the hot new thing in the art world at the age of 94. Tony Bechara, said “We have a saying in Puerto Rico,” “The bus — la guagua — always comes for those who wait.” I LOVE her response and whole attitude, she said "“Well, Tony, I’ve been at the bus stop for 94 years!” LOL! There was much she said that resonated with me. In regards to painting “I do it because I have to do it; it’s a compulsion that also gives me pleasure,” and "Ms. Herrera was sustained, she said, by the unflinching support of her husband of 61 years" (I am lucky to have the same sort of support). "When pressed about what looks to some like a sensual female shape in the painting, she said: “Look, to me it was white, beautiful white, and then the white was shrieking for the green, and the little triangle created a force field. People see very sexy things — dirty minds! — but to me sex is sex, and triangles are triangles.”
People bring their own experiences and interpretations in viewing artwork but I find it annoying when they try to impose that view as being how the artist meant it or claiming that is the only interpretation.
Sometimes people see what they want to see, yes!



Comments

Undaunted said…
There you are then Jafabrit, let's keep doing what we do, and we'll get some recognition when we're in our 90's!! Seriously though, it's amazing to think of a little old lady producing very modern art. And although modern by today's standards, she was producing it way back in the 40's!

Puerto Rico looks amazing with all that architecture and history to see.
Carmen Herrera's story and attitude resonates with me as well. "I do it because I have to" in particular strikes a chord. I'm also impressed with her comments on refuting expectations of what a Puerto Rican artist should paint like and her explanation of sensual triangles is terrific.
jafabrit said…
I couldn't stop laughing Bill when she said she would give sweets to the kids hee!hee! she is a feisty one and I LOVE it. I think yes the expectations arg! how annoying they must have been for her.

Undaunted, I think the recognition is a nice bit of icing on the cake for her :) I did LOVE Old San Juan the best, although I was shocked to hear Sir Francis Drake being referred to as that Buccaneer from England at the Fort video presentation LOL!
Eric Johnson said…
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jafabrit said…
I appreciate the compliment Eric but my reason for blogging is to talk about my passion, art. Perhaps some of my other viewers might benefit from your link though :)
Debrina said…
Hi Corrine - it's been a blinkin age since I came and saw you, sorry. I've been so time poor these days it's lucky I even get to do my art. Well, here I am to wish you a very merry xmas and an extraordinary new year!
Puerto Rico rocks - it's on my hit list when I do my big OE (probably when I'm 94 - well, like you say, it's never too late to fulfil one's dream). I always find it interesting when some people make a big deal about artists "making it" in the art world. For those of us with the passion, the drive to do art is far greater than the recognition. Bill is absolutely right, we do it because we don't have a choice. Most of us couldn't live without doing art!!
jafabrit said…
"I always find it interesting when some people make a big deal about artists "making it" in the art world."

I know what you mean Debrina :) thanks for the holiday wishes :) and the same to you. I have slowed down a bit too, since being sick, and then going to PR, and now christmas hols, so I hear you.
Art said…
I loved that article! What a spirit she has, and what a fabulous story.

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