The Next Generation of Artists

The primitivista style of painting in Nicaragua, particularly in the Solentiname islands, but also on Ometepe Island, is an art and a skill passed from generation to generation. Oftentimes, families keep the painterly way of life going, and sometimes there are new young artists who burst onto the scene. From my interview with Carlos Vargas Lopez on Ometepe Island, I learned about three young artists that Sr. Vargas believes will make their mark on the artistic world.

Above, in the tradition of the the "Gospel of Solentiname", the Last Supper serves as the subject of a painting by Reynaldo Zamoro Rocha. This wonderful painting was exhibited in the display case next to the ticket-taker at the Ometepe Museum -- the only painting in that case. We tried to buy it, but the folks working there were not willing to part with it under any circumstances! And I understand their feelings -- it is a gloriously detailed and meticulous rendering of an important subject in Nicaragua, one of the most Catholic of all latin cities. We learned that the artist, Reynaldo Zamora Rocha is a native of Ometepe, about 30 years old (in 2007) and still lives on the island.

The female figure from Nicaraguan folklore, to the right, is also by Reynaldo Zamora Rocha, and was for sale at Sr. Vargas' gallery in Esquipulas, Ometepe.















To the left, a colorful landscape demonstrates the talent of a very young painter from Ometepe -- Yassar Guzman. He is only 17 years old, and comes from a very very poor family. His talents lie not only in painting however, he is also a musician, and wants to study in Cuba to become a doctor. Below right, Yassar Guzman paints a more open village landscape.



Below left, busy village life is captured by Reynaldo Zamora Rocha.











A third young artist to watch is Roger Vargas, a nephew of Sr. Carlos Vargas, who at 22 is a student in Managua, studying architecture, as a more secure livelihood than painting and the arts.

Senor Vargas, one of the patriarchs of the arts in Nicaragua, has seen many Nicaraguan governments come and go. He shared thoughts about the progress of the arts over the years. During the 1980’s the arts were strongly supported by the Sandinistas, especially by Rosario Murillo, Daniel Ortega’s wife. The Sandinista government supported schools of art throughout the country, spawning a renaissance of interest in the arts. Recent governments have not been as supportive of the arts, resulting in many talented young artists being forced to find other livelihoods, such as Roger Vargas and Yassar Guzman are doing.