President Luis Abinader and First Lady Raquel Arbaje attended the opening of the country’s first immersive art exhibition, “Ivan Tovar, Living Surrealism” at Plaza España in the Colonial City on Monday, 4 April 2022. The exhibition is open to the general public at Plaza España in the Colonial City from 6 April to 6 June.
In his remarks, President Abinader spoke of his government’s strong support to museums, galleries, theaters, and all cultural spaces. “This initiative is another example of our government’s decision to mark a before and after in the integral support of art and culture in the Dominican Republic,” he said.
He spoke of how cultural activities bring hope, energy and a sense of future to a country. “In short, betting on our culture is betting on progress and on our people. For me, this life commitment is with the Dominican people, their progress, their well-being, and their dreams,” said the President.
He added that public policies are currently being promoted with a strong focus on cultural promotion to democratize art, promote creativity and elevate the people’s talents.
Regarding the first immersive art exhibition, “Tovar, Living Surrealism,” he described it as a example of the recent trend that where virtuality and art merge.
The first-time audiovisual art experience features 3D and 2D projection technologies, lighting and sound effects to present the works of the late Dominican artist.
At the opening ceremony, which took place a few days before the 80th anniversary of the artist’s birth, Ivan Tovar’s family was posthumously awarded the Order of Duarte, Sanchez and Mella in the rank of Knight, by Decree 174-22, which was read by the Legal Advisor of the Executive Branch, Antoliano Peralta.
About the artist
Iván Tovar was born in San Francisco de Macorís, Duarte province on 28 March 1942. His talent led him to study painting and later move to Paris to develop his always avant-garde art to international grand master levels. He died on 13 April 2020 in Santo Domingo.
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Presidency
DR1 News
5 April 2022