Black Artists You Should Know: Pen Cayetano
Pen Cayetano
By Takiyah Ward
I was first introduced to the art of Mr. Pen Cayetano in preparation for our trip to Belize in November of last year. I wasn't familiar with much of the country prior to that, and sad to say had no interest in visiting to speak of. I can't even begin to describe how differently I feel about that country since that visit! My biggest take away was the quality of life in comparison to material possession. We are programmed in America to equate the quality of our lives with the material possessions we have. The more things you have the better your life must be. But in Belize they live differently. Their quality of life is based on connection to the land, people, and spirit. They work hard, together, so that they may celebrate, together. And that fact is most apparent in the artworks of Pen Cayetano.
We had the opportunity to visit Mr. Pen at his art studio/ compound in Dangriga, Belize. He and his wife Ingrid run the space like a studio/gallery/ museum, conducting tours that include history of the land, their art, and his music. See, Mr. Pen invented a musical style called ‘Punta Rock’ . It's the marriage of past and present, incorporating punta music with rock music which was popular at the time. His band the Turtle Shell Band is also the first to incorporate discarded turtle shells as instruments! Yes, the creativity is strong in Dangriga, Belize.
These days Mr. Pen is still making art that encapsulates his cultural history while also speaking to present times. Creating visuals that speak to the richness of the Garifuna culture. The trial, tribulation and triumph that is Garifuna runs deep in Belize. The Garifuna people are incredibly passionate about their history and it's apparent in every aspect of their lives. You feel that when you meet them and when you visit Belize. So if you’re ever in the country make sure you stop by Studio Gallery Cayetano and tell them TDUB/ Converge Media sent you.
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