Domingo Ramos Enriquez was a prominent Cuban artist known for his vibrant landscapes. Born in Guines, Havana Province, on November 6, 1894, he began his artistic life at the Academia Nacional de Bellas Artes San Alejandro in 1907 and in 1918 studied at the renowned San Fernando School in Madrid, Spain. Upon returning to Cuba, he became a Professor at the San Alejandro Academy and eventually served as its Principal in 1949. Throughout his career, Ramos Enriquez held over twenty solo exhibitions and participated in numerous group shows, garnering prizes and medals in Cuba, Europe, and New York. His work, characterized by its vivid colors and vigorous technique, gained recognition internationally, with paintings acquired by institutions like the Museum of Modern Art in Madrid and the National Museum of Fine Arts in Havana. Throughout his career, he would explore various artistic techniques and mediums, including oil painting, watercolor, and mixed media with a versatility that allowed him to experiment with form and expression, leading to a diverse body of work that continues to captivate audiences around the world. Ramos Enriquez passed away in Havana in 1956, leaving behind a legacy of artistic excellence.
Domingo Ramos Enriquez's oeuvre encompasses a wide array of Cuban landscapes, yet it's his depictions of the Viñales Valley that truly captivate. Nestled in the far western reaches of the island, this region boasts a distinctive landscape characterized by towering limestone formations, verdant vegetation, and rustic tobacco fields—a tableau that beckons artists with its inherent drama and allure.
In Ramos Enriquez's renderings, the Viñales Valley emerges as a vibrant tapestry of hues and textures, brought to life through his mastery of brushwork and palette. His brush dances across the canvas with an almost improvisational fervor, capturing the ephemeral interplay of light and shadow that defines the Cuban terrain. In this regard, his technique echoes the spontaneity and luminosity championed by the Impressionists, particularly reminiscent of Monet's studies of light upon haystacks, both in approach and composition.
Moreover, Enriquez's choice of medium further enhances the sensory experience of his landscapes. By opting to paint on rough burlap, he imbues his works with a palpable tactility, inviting viewers to not only behold but also to feel the rugged contours of the land. This tactile quality is reinforced by his application of paint, which is executed in swift, energetic strokes—each fleck and dab of color adding depth and dynamism to the scene.
Yet, beyond mere representation, Ramos Enriquez's paintings transcend the physical realm, evoking a profound sense of connection to the land and its cultural significance. Through his deft handling of form and color, he imbues the landscape with layers of meaning and emotion, inviting viewers to partake in his deeply personal engagement with his homeland. In doing so, Enriquez not only captures the essence of the Viñales Valley but also invites us to share in his reverence for the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Cuba
Private Collection to
Private collection until 2024
Sotheby's NY March 2024