Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
traditional designs are abstract and geometric. These daysmolascan feature any-
thing from cartoonish animals to Christmas themes, but the most valued ones are
classically designed.
Regardless of the design, the very bestmolasshould always have the following
characteristics:
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Stitches closely match the color of the cloth they are set against.
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Stitches are very fine and neatly spaced.
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Stitches are pulled evenly and with enough tension to be barely visible.
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Curves are cut smoothly and the sewing follows the curves of the cut.
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Outline strips are uniform in width, with no frayed edges.
Painting
Trained in France, Roberto Lewis (1874-1949) became the first prominent figure on
Panama's art scene. He painted portraits of the nation's leaders and allegorical images to
decorate public buildings. Among his most notable works are those in the Palacio de las
Garzas in Panama City. In 1913 Lewis became the director of Panama's first art
academy, where he and his successor, Humberto Ivaldi (1909-47), educated a generation
of artists.
Among the school's students were Juan Manuel Cedeño and Isaac Benítez, as well as
the painters who would come to the fore in the 1950s and '60s. This group includes Al-
fredo Sinclair, Guillermo Trujillo, Eudoro Silvera and others. More recent artists include
Olga Sinclair and Brooke Alfaro. Most of these artists are still active, with occasional
shows at local galleries.
The largest Panamanian art exposition - the Bienal de Arte - is held every two years at
the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo in Panama City.
CONGO RENAISSANCE
Started by the descendants of escaped slaves, Congo art tells the story of contem-
porary Portobelo by retelling their story of self-liberation. The movement started
after the US invasion of Panama. Arturo Lindsay, a native Panamanian, artist and
professor at Spelman College, says, 'My adopted country had invaded my home-
land. Crime and drugs were rampant. There was poverty. The workshop grew out
of seeing how I could help.'
