Month: November 2021

The design of this project was done in collaboration with Samuel González from Pintalto, featuring his recognized mosaic patterns in a color palette that matches the mountains and the sea that surround the building’s structure. The sides that face both of the parking areas are different characters. One a female dancer painted by Laurencia Victoria and the other a male barrel player painted by Bryant López. These two make reference to Puerto Rico’s Afro-Caribbean Bomba heritage, an important part of local folkloric tradition. Which assigns the art piece it’s title; repike which is an alteration of the word repique, meaning in Spanish the ringing of the barrel when it’s hit by a musician’s hands, rhythm which guides and responds to the movements of the Bomba dancers.

The project sponsored by the Municipality of Añasco and local businesses, as a whole was meant to restore not only the appearance of the building but also it’s green areas. Saving this public space from complete abandonment, turning it into a pleasant family friendly environment, reaching the goal of making Añasco’s watchtower into a tourist attraction, where visitors can stop by and take pictures, enjoying their leisure time. Receiving the place a countless amount of people every day.

After it’s reopening in July 2019, done by Ciudad Museo, the stop has become a place where independent local sellers can set up their small business stands, taking advantage of tourism activity. Which has increased since the inauguration of the colorful watchtower from where one can appreciate the view of Añasco’s Bay of Almirante Beach.

Located at the Watchtower in Añasco on PR-115 heading towards Rincón, PR.

https://goo.gl/maps/CxnAVXEJz4V8dhco9 

This mural is inspired mainly in basketball as a sport; done as a request by the Luis Muñoz Marín Public High School in Añasco, Puerto Rico. Restoring the gym area’s appearance by painting, not only the mural, but also the courts floor divisions. As a way to encourage the students of the school to make use of the facilities and keep themselves active.

Located at the Luis Muñoz Marín Public High School in Añasco.

https://goo.gl/maps/hjBesfoBbf6zTaoS8 

This mural is dedicated to Puerto Rico’s rich marine life, which is commonly endangered by manmade contamination. Featuring a huge tortoise shell turtle, or Carey how they’re locally known as in Puerto Rico. Given that it’s one of the most frequent species of marine turtles to appear on the coasts of the island.

Located in Añasco, Puerto Rico, heading towards the ‘Welcome to Rincón’ entrance.

https://goo.gl/maps/sC3vLKaVN3HgX7s77

“Golden Arm” by José Manuel Torres
Translated by Krystal Romero

She was called Golden Arm
because with fire she incarnated
the cloth that enlightened
from the hero a sonorous scream.
She was a rich treasure
in the core of the solar.
To die wise or to triumph
in the patriotic deed
facing against Spain
for patriotic freedom…

Located in front of Old Town Bar in Añasco, PR.

https://goo.gl/maps/kv4xWNPM2cYn4AQ88

This mural is a tribute to Salsa music, which is highly influenced by Puerto Rican musicians, making the genre internationally recognized. It’s based off the first lines of the poem “El trompetista olvidado”, which translated to “The forgotten trumpeter”, written by one of Ciudad Museo’s artists, Laurencia Victoria. 

“The Forgotten Trumpeter” by Laurencia Victoria
Translated by Krystal Romero

“Through the streets he wandered, from one bar to another,
the forgotten trumpeter in between the city’s wild uproar.
Playing his only treasure, from one door to another,
melodies from his devastated heart.
And in between last minute bands,
the trumpeter let himself be taken in by the euphoria
of the women’s dance and men’s lead during Salsa
Because his heart and empty bottle
weren’t an excuse to tune another song.
The days he upheld were unimaginable

With his inexistent stomach of fastened guts
While he shined his jet black shoes ready for the next stop.
The trumpeter improvised and let himself be taken away
By the band, by the dance, by the bars, by the yearning,
Of the past, of the empty, of the loneliness, of the praises,
Of the beliefs passed from generations to generations.
Without ceilings, without adoption, without acknowledgements
His Salsa packed heart was fiery in any genre
But the soul doesn’t run on forever
And neither can the trumpet be played on it’s own. 

Located next to Pepin’s Bar Los Mumm-ra, near Plaza del Mercado, in Añasco.

https://goo.gl/maps/6gcUHzkuvN4A511q9