What are some art an music in Dominican Republic?

Answer 1

Traditional Dominican Artists of recent times have tended to be seen as proponents of the naive school typically painting beach, village, palm trees, landscape scenes in colorful 2 dimensional renditions. Often art that is available to tourists from street sellers, or local gallery shops is actually by Haitian artists as this is one avenue that Haitian workers who come over to the DR have been able to make some income if they have adequate talent.

Historically some of the most notable works of art featured in Museums and Galleries in the capital Santo Domingo and in the 'Town of artists' Altos de Chavon, have been artefacts and items that come from the Taino culture. The Tainos were the native inhabitants of the DR who were most probably descended from central Americans who had traveled and settled on the Island. They maintained a peaceful and successful lifestyle on the Island of Quisqueya, until the Spanish conquistadores arrived and virtually wiped them out.

For a greater insight to the Art of the Dominican Republic if you are able to visit country then the Museo de Arte Dominicano contains one of the country's best art collections of the most notable Dominican artists. Whilst the Museo del Hombre Dominicano, houses an impressive collection that conveys the history and development of the Dominican culture, which is of course essentially derived from a melting pot of remaining Taino natives, Spanish conquerors and settlers, and the numerous African slaves who were bought to Hispaniola (as the Christopher Columbus originally renamed the Island) to work on the sugar plantations.

As far as music goes -- it is the lifeblood of the Dominican culture and is largely represented by the musical styles of Merengue and Bachata, along with imports such as Cuban Son. In current times there are numerous 'Dominican York' (American based Dominicans) groups who produce sultry, sexy, Bachata influenced rap style music and have achieved some acclaim.

More details of the art and music of the Dominican Republic can be found at the Dominican visitor information site: http://www.visiting-the-dominican-republic.com