Appreciating Latin American Art and Literature

The rate of intercultural marriages are increasing thanks to the rise in popularity of online dating and international matchmaking services. These services have widened the horizon for single men and women who wish to find life long partners, being able to connect with other single individuals around the world and indulge in Latin American art.

The challenge in marrying someone from a different country is the difference in cultures and traditions. These differences pose issues in adjusting in order to accommodate one another’s cultures and adapt to the social norms of a foreign society.

The best way to understand another culture is to immerse yourself in its customs. Nothing is as effective or as fun as exploring their art and literature.

Art and literature have always been an influential dynamic in society. In fact, history has told us that art and literature have shaped our world today more than any other field.

Latin America and Her Influences

Latin America is home to some of the oldest civilizations ever discovered. Consequently, Latin American art and culture can trace its roots to some of the oldest yet the most sophisticated indigenous people such as the Inca, the Mayan, and the Aztecs.

Pre-Colombian civilizations produced various forms of literature. In the absence of printing technology, the majority of these literary arts were either engraved in stone tablets or passed orally from one generation to the next. These literary arts were usually oral accounts of mythology and religious beliefs, which has survived to this day.

Foreign influences to Latin American art and literature started the moment the Europeans encountered the new world. Roman Catholicism was brought to the Americas by the Spaniards and thus was the biggest influence on Latin American colonial art and literature.

Colonial art and literature was mostly in the hands of the Church. As the Catholic church considered any form of literature that went against Christiany as seditious, the majority of Colonial art conformed with Christian teachings.

Literature in the 19th century became one of the foundations of fiction in Latin American literature. Romantic and Naturalist themes emerged during this time as an effort to establish a sense of cultural identity through literature.

The Latin American wars for independence occurred in the early nineteenth century. Thus, aside from foundational fiction, romanticism, and naturalism; themes of identity, resistance, human rights, and independence movements became more prevalent.

Late into the nineteenth century, the Modernismo emerged. A poetic movement that became the first to influence other forms of art and literature outside of Latin America. Modernismo also became a movement that was truly Latin American and ushered in Modern art and literature into Latin American culture.

Explore Latin American Museums

Museums are one of the best ways for you to engage in Latin American culture and are a must-have for a date destination across South America. They are essentially one stop shops for you to explore the different arts and literature of Latin America across different time periods.

The majority of Latin American museums not only showcase the art of notable Hispanic American artists and writers, but also showcases the works of foreign artists who have influenced Latin American Art.

1. Museo Rufino Tamayo

The building is a modular design with various levels that blend into its surroundings and that has a pre-Hispanic architectural feel. The various green slopes or ramps form an integral part of the composition, establishing the building's link to Chapultepec Park, creating the impression that the museum rises up from the earth.

The Museo Rufino Tamayo is located in Mexico City and was founded on May 29, 1981. This museum is home to a vast collection of contemporary art. The museum also houses international works from various periods in history.

2. Museo de Arte Costarricense ( Costa Rican Art Museum)

The Costa Rican Art Museum sits at the eastern end of La Sabana Park, so it’s a good idea to pair a trip to the museum with a walk through this peaceful park.

The Museum plays host to the works of some of the greatest Latin American artists. From colonial art through the Latin American modern art of the 20th century. The museum also houses almost the complete work of Juan Manuel Sanchez, a prolific local artist.

3. Villanueva Public Library

Perhaps the most famous of Colombia’s new libraries is the Villanueva Public Library, which was constructed using not only locally sourced materials, but also by the people of the village. Stones were gathered by nearby rivers, sustainable wood from nearby forests, and local people were trained to help construct the building.

The design, created by four nearby college students, focuses on natural ventilation and plenty of shade to keep the interior nice and cool. All of these cost-cutting measures went a long way in helping a truly impoverished area secure a much-needed library.

4. Museo de Arte Moderno de Barranquilla

The Museo de Arte Moderno de Barranquilla was established to bring modern and contemporary art closer to a diverse audience by offering an artistic and cultural service.

Their mission is to preserve artistic memory with an emphasis on the Colombian Caribbean, promoting a dialogue between the artist, his work and the viewer. Through research, the Museo de Arte Moderno de Barranquilla seeks to facilitate the understanding of the historical, social and cultural context of the artistic expressions of our time.

5. Nutibara Sculpture Park

Is a sculpture park at the foot of the Nutibara Hill in Medellin, Colombia and is the first of its kind in the country. The park showcases 10 sculptures from famous Colombian and international artists.

The park was created in 1983 through the initiative of Colombian President Belisario Bentacur Cuartas to turn the location into a cultural center of Medellin. The park includes the work of notable Latin American sculptors such as Sergio Camargo from Brazil, Manuel Falguerez from Mexico, Edgar Negret, John Castles, Ronny Vayda, and Alberto Uribe, all of whom hail from Colombia.

Intercultural marriages come with unique challenges. Overcoming these barriers will help you understand your Latin American partner. There are different ways to immerse yourself in Latin American culture. Latin American art and literature will not only tell you the hows and the whys of her culture, but rather will help you get to know the who of your partner deeper than you’d expect.