Nostalgia for My Island: Puerto Rican Painting from the Museo de Arte de Ponce

“Here, culture will be created with universal harmonies, but with Puerto Rican notes…” This is how Luis A. Ferré, founder of the Museo de Arte de Ponce, described his vision for the Museum’s collection. To achieve this goal, it was essential to include Puerto Rican art, which is why works by Puerto Rican artists have been part of the Museum’s collection and exhibition offering since its opening in 1959. The inaugural exhibition featured seven works by Puerto Rican artists, including works by José Campeche y Jordán (1751–1809) and Francisco Oller y Cestero (1833–1917). The Museum’s commitment to local artists has continued over the years, and today, Puerto Rican art makes up approximately 40 percent of the collection.

Nostalgia for My Island: Puerto Rican Painting from the Museo de Arte de Ponce, 1788-1962 primarily highlights the work of a group of artists active during the first six decades of the 20th century. These artists were instrumental in developing the pictorial tradition in Puerto Rico, continuing the legacy of Campeche and Oller. This exhibition focuses on three popular themes in Puerto Rican art from the first half of the 20th century: “My Home,” “My People,” and “My Island.” Many artists of that era were committed to preserving Puerto Rican identity, which they considered threatened by the political changes that began on the island in the late 19th century. Ponce artist Miguel Pou y Becerra (1880-1968) expressed this sentiment when he declared, “…an artist is a true patriot who fights and strives to leave his homeland the legacy of his dreams… The ideal that has primarily guided my work has been to reflect the soul of my country.”

Nostalgia for My Island returns to Puerto Rico after a successful tour of the United States. With this exhibition, the Museo de Arte de Ponce joins the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico.

This exhibition has been organized by the Museo de Arte de Ponce in collaboration with the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico. It is made possible thanks to funds provided by the Special Joint Commission on Legislative Funds for Community Impact and the sponsorship of the MAPR Silver Circle, proud sponsors of the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico’s 25th anniversary programs and activities: Burger King, Church’s Chicken, Puerto Rico Tourism Company, De la Cruz, Cruz Rosso Family, Stubbe Family, FirstBank, Grupo VL, Paulson Puerto Rico, and Walmart Puerto Rico.