2018 Visual Artists
Olga Sinclair
Olga Sinclair, was born in the Republic of Panama, on February 14th 1957. Her first art lessons began with her father, painter Alfredo Sinclair. At the early age of fourteen she is part of a group exhibition with renowned Panamanian artists. In 1976, she began her studies in the School of Applied Arts and Works in Madrid, and followed a three years training in classic designs at Arjona Studios). In Amsterdam, she studied the Great Dutch Masters of the XVIII Century. At age eighteen she held her first individual exhibition in Panama.
In 1979, she joined Santa Maria la Antigua University, in Panama, and obtained her grade in Interior Design. In 1982, she follows engraving courses with Maestro Giangrandi.
She returns to Europe in 1985; in London, she resumes her studies, she works, presents an exhibition and had her first encounter with Francis Bacon�s works at Tate Gallery.
In 1979, she joined Santa Maria la Antigua University, in Panama, and obtained her grade in Interior Design. In 1982, she follows engraving courses with Maestro Giangrandi.
She returns to Europe in 1985; in London, she resumes her studies, she works, presents an exhibition and had her first encounter with Francis Bacon�s works at Tate Gallery.
Al Sprague
International artist Al Sprague was born and raised in the Republic of Panama. After receiving a master's degree at American University in Washington, D.C., he returned home to paint the culture of Panama. His work, depicting the everyday life of native fishermen, market vendors, and dancers, made Sprague one of the most recognized artists in Panama.
The Panamanian government has used Sprague's paintings as gifts of state to the presidents of Mexico, France, Venezuela, Colombia, Spain, and Brazil. Also, six American and Panamanian postage stamps have been issued using his original art.
His work has been on display in the White House, The Pentagon, Panama Canal Headquarters, Reagan Presidential Library, The Carter Center, Department of Army, Panama Art-in-Embassies Collection, Panama Embassy in Washington, D.C., Chase Manhattan Bank, Bank of Korea, Bank of America, and several of the finest art galleries in the United States, Japan, the Bahamas, and Panama.
Today, Sprague divides his time between the Republic of Panama and New Orleans. He spends much of his time painting Panama, the night life of New Orleans, and his local surroundings.
The Panamanian government has used Sprague's paintings as gifts of state to the presidents of Mexico, France, Venezuela, Colombia, Spain, and Brazil. Also, six American and Panamanian postage stamps have been issued using his original art.
His work has been on display in the White House, The Pentagon, Panama Canal Headquarters, Reagan Presidential Library, The Carter Center, Department of Army, Panama Art-in-Embassies Collection, Panama Embassy in Washington, D.C., Chase Manhattan Bank, Bank of Korea, Bank of America, and several of the finest art galleries in the United States, Japan, the Bahamas, and Panama.
Today, Sprague divides his time between the Republic of Panama and New Orleans. He spends much of his time painting Panama, the night life of New Orleans, and his local surroundings.
Maria Rivas
Hailing from Venezuela and currently residing in Mallorca Spain, Rivas is a celebrated international recording artist, song writer, painter and visual artist. From a young age, she displayed a great talent in the mediums of painting, plastic arts, graphic and fashion design, illustration, and oil and acrylic work. Over time Rivas has created a signature artistic style she refers to as "curvismo," reflecting her subjects in a sensually abstract manner. In 2013, she was named the official artist for the 14th Annual Latin Grammy Awards and her commissioned work graced the program cover and was used as the official image throughout the event. Rivas’ works are exhibited in galleries, museums and private art collections worldwide.
B. Chrisse Harwanko
Chrisse began her art and teaching career in Panama in the 80s. She moved to Okinawa, Japan for a teaching position in 1999. During the 14 years that Chrisse lived in Asia she taught art to young students, painted and gave adult art workshops. Her earlier works have been greatly inspired by Asian and Panamanian cultures and the marine world. Chrisse has exhibited her works for 3 decades in Japan, Italy, USA and Panama. Presently, she is retired from her art teacher position and continues to take photos and paint at her beachfront home in Playa El Palmar, Panama. Chrisse’s main focus is painting her interpretations of the sea environment. These are called Sea-Spirations™. Chrisse’s artwork and photography have received numerous awards in several countries and can be found in collections all over the world.
Efrain Antonio
I am a Panamanian folk artist who uses oils to tell the unique story of the Panamanian people. My work prominently features the Indio Woman as Pachamama (Mother Earth) situated among the stunning flora, fauna and geography of Panamá. Through art, I share my spiritual evolution and belief in the interconnectedness of all energy.
Gabriel Noriega
Contemporary with a variety of themes, uses acrylic because time don’t forgive and this way freezes the moments at it right time. Lot of textures like paper, cold porcelain, sand and shell… making the spectators to go and even try to touch it. The most distinctively is that the paintings a designed to use bright and light instead of light and shadows.
SHELAGH ROGERS
Shelagh Rogers is originally from Toronto, Canada. After studying art in Toronto and Ventura, California, she worked as a graphic artist. Later Shelagh was drawn to a career in the hospitality industry, while also experimenting with various artistic styles and mediums in her spare time.
She eventually opened a restaurant, where she applied her creative design skills, to create a fun Mexi-Cali themed restaurant, which she sold in 2017. Currently living in Whitby, Canada and enjoying the winter months in Panama, she is returning to her original passion. This series of acrylic works on canvas, is dedicated to the musical artists that will be showcased at the Boquete Jazz Festival, hoping to capture their essence and presence. |
The Boquete Jazz&Blues Festival is supported by the Panamanian Tourist Authority and the city of Boquete