Cultivist Members Tour Puerto Rico's Art Scene

21 Mar 2024 Cultivist Members Tour Puerto Rico's Art Scene

Under the warmth of the Caribbean sun and guided by The Cultivist’s Joey Lico, a group of our Club members embarked on a journey through Puerto Rico's vibrant cultural scene.

Arriving in San Juan, the adventure kicked off with cocktails amidst captivating artworks at the Walter Otero Contemporary Art Gallery. Later that evening, guests were immersed into the innovative cuisine of Chef Martin Louzao who blends local flavours with global influences at Cocina Abierta. Guests were gifted a bespoke recipe card by Chef Martin, to try their hand at his dishes at home.

The following day, the group delved into Puerto Rico's artistic landscape with a visit to El Kilometro and a guided tour of the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, immersing themselves in the island's rich cultural heritage. If you visit, don’t miss Pepón Osorio's major installation, En la barbería no se llora (1994) and Arnaldo Roche Rabell's The Garden of Intolerance (2003).

Lunch at Santaella provided a modern twist on traditional Puerto Rican cuisine, setting the stage for insightful curator-led tours at the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Puerto Rico and the Museo de Arte y Diseño de Miramar, offering deeper insights into Afro-Puerto Rican art and the island's socio-political narratives.

As the journey unfolded, guests enjoyed intimate studio visits with globally renowned artists like José Lerma and Angel Otero, gaining firsthand insights into their creative processes. Dinners hosted at the homes of artists Allora & Calzadilla and Rafael Trelles provided unique and unparalleled experiences for the guests.

As the adventure drew to a close, guests bid farewell to Puerto Rico with a memorable feast at Cocina Al Fondo. Here, they savoured Chef Natalia Vallejo's culinary delights, each dish reflecting the island's rich culinary heritage.

As the adventure drew to a close, guests bid farewell to Puerto Rico with a memorable feast at Cocina Al Fondo. Here, they savored Chef Natalia Vallejo's culinary delights, each dish reflecting the island's rich culinary heritage. Our guests' favorites were arroz con conejo and fricasé de cabro dishes!

This journey to Puerto Rico was more than just a vacation; it was a deep dive into the island's art, culture, and cuisine, leaving lasting impressions on all who were fortunate enough to participate. As one guest put it: ‘it was a pleasure to be immersed with artists, good food and laughs with a fun group.’

If you're interested in experiencing trips like this and more, inquire about the Club membership here.