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  1. Anonymous & Misc. African Art

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    Galerie Bonheur presents Anonymous & Misc. African Art.

  2. Rafael Morla

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    Rafael Morla was born in 1943, in the Dominican Republic. He was married in 1971 to Carmen Luisa Castillo de Morla. They have 8 children, 26 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. They all live in La Romana, DR, in a colorful house in the center of town. Rafael has his art studio there next to his home. His father was also an artisan.

    Rafael tells me that he has always had a special “light,” or vision, and the natural ability to make art. He constantly thinks about what artwork he will create next, and he loves his work. At night he dreams and thinks about his creations, and he speaks to his wife daily about these thoughts and visions.
 
His ability to make art is innate, as Rafael has had no art lessons or schooling of any kind in the field of art. His works come from his heart and soul, and are a natural part of his character and personality. He is a bright and smiling man, and a happy family man. His family is around him all the time, and they lend a hand with some of the difficult parts of his job, as in hauling the wood and materials necessary to make his art.

    Rafael has told me that he believes in God, and that God gave him this unique talent and gift of creating beautiful works of art out of wood and paints. For this natural and God-given gift, Rafael thanks God every day and is appreciative of the special “vision” and “light” that he enjoys. He is inspired by his Faith and by the world around him, and by nature. Most of Rafael’s artwork consists of images of things in nature: flowers, birds, plants, bugs, lizards, animals of all kinds, trees, fruits, and other beautiful and natural things. His artwork is always colorful and happy, joyous and brilliant.

    Rafael is an original, unique artist. His colors are bright and cheerful. When he paints on canvas, the imagery is often of a glorious sunset over the water, with trees, birds and animals nearby.
 Rafael lives in La Romana, which is a small and simple town near the fancy and elite, upscale resort, “Casa de Campo.” Many of his patrons and clients are Villa owners in the area, and he has also been recognized and appreciated for his special gift by banks, hotels, and corporations in his native land. His fellow countrymen, as well as many tourists and foreigners, have purchased his artwork for their homes and offices. He is shown in many galleries around the Dominican Republic as well. His work has been featured in many local publications and catalogs exhibiting the artwork of Dominican artists.

    Galerie Bonheur has shown the work of this talented artist since 1987. His work has been exhibited in many shows in Connecticut, St. Louis, Vail, Chicago, Santa Fe, New York, and Florida. We recognize Rafael Morla as a special and original artist, with a unique and wonderful talent.

    Galerie Bonheur is thrilled to present many new pieces by Rafael Morla that were acquired from the artist on a recent visit to his studio.

    By Laurie Ahner.

     

    Morla

  3. Isidoro Duque

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    I had the wonderful experience of meeting the artist Isidoro Duque and his family in 2004 at their home, studio, and shop in Venezuela on my third trip to this beautiful country. I had seen his artwork a few years earlier on a previous trip and had purchased two of his paintings, but timing was not in our favor and I was sadly unable to meet Mr. Duque. I brought the two paintings back to my home and gallery, and enjoyed them immensely. The artwork was so sensual and moving that I wanted to know the person behind the work, to get his story and understand his background. I also desired more of his paintings for my gallery and so became determined to return to Venezuela to find and befriend this talented artist.

    I had only the vaguest sense of where Mr. Duque lived, and upon my return to Venezuela, it seemed almost impossible to find his home/studio/shop again. I could recall it being in the town of La Grita near a clothing shop, but remembered few other details. Fortunately my guide, Ms. Adrienne Pannier, was an amazing woman with endless energy and pep. She was just as determined as I to find this artist, no matter how long and far we had to look. Upon out arrival in La Grita, we began canvassing the town, asking all who would listen where we could find the studio after which we sought. Our persistence and enthusiasm paid off greatly, and Adrienne and I were able to find Mr. Duque’s shop within an hour of our arrival! We entered the studio and walked, mesmerized, though a long hallway of large oil paintings depicting events in Venezuela’s history, many of which depicted national hero Simon Bolivar. Inside his home there were many more paintings of historical events, religious scenes, and the comedy and tragedy of everyday life. I was absolutely floored by the numerous and incredible paintings Isidoro Duque had created. The soft greens and pastel colors of the paintings appealed to me with their Chagall-esque charm and peacefulness. I could see Mr. Duque’s heart pouring out of each piece of art; it was obvious that the artist was a gentle man who loved life, loved his country, loved his family, and loved his faith.

    This time, I was able to enjoy nearly an hour with this gentle soul, at the time an octogenarian with all the energy of a teenager. He told me, through Adrienne’s translation, even though he had another means of making a living, he loved to paint as it was his creative outlet and a spiritual and soul-nurturing activity. He expressed to me his dream of one day having his paintings viewed and appreciated by his countrymen and perhaps even in the United States and elsewhere around the globe.

    I could not resist the euphoria of his artwork, and, a true addict, I bought SEVENTEEN paintings from Isidoro! I was hardly able to leave any behind, having fallen in love with each and every one. The paintings I purchased all came back to the United States, were photographed, and submitted to the International Folk Art Market committee in Santa Fe for admission in their Summer 2007 Marketplace. Isidoro was invited to participate in this prestigious show, but sadly he passed away in June of 2007, just weeks prior to the show. Though Isidoro is no longer with us, his spirit live on through his work which will always be a testament to him as a wonderful artist and kind man.

    Text by Laurie Ahner

  5. Anselmo Vivas

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    Anselmo Vivas is a Venezuelan artist.

  6. Alejandro Vasquez

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    Alejandro Vasquez is a Venezuelan artist.

  7. Ramon Antonio Moreno

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    Ramon Antonio Moreno is a Venezuelan artist. His work has been featured at many museums, including Museum of International Folk in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

  8. Teofila de Bastidas

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    Teofila Bastidas is a Venezuelan artist.

  9. Bartolo Azuaje

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    Bartolo Azuaje is an artist from the town of Niquitao in Venezuela.