Belize
Artist: Pen Cayetano
Born in 1954 in Dangriga, Stann Creek District, Belize, Pen Cayetano is a painter, singer, songwriter, percussionist, guitarist, the leading cultural revivalist and ambassador for the Garinagu.
Exemplifying his favorite medium of oil on canvas with genres of modern art and contemporary realism, Cayetano was inspired by fellow artist Benjamin Nicholas. His paintings have been exhibited in the USA, Great Britain, Germany, Belgium, Taiwan and the Caribbean. His task is to conserve the Garifuna culture and give a consciousness to the people and the youth.
From 1990 to 2009 Pen Cayetano has lived with his family in Germany, where he had a studio and a busy schedule of international art exhibitions, workshops and performances with his family band, the Cayetanos. He has become one of Belize's foremost cultural ambassadors. His art is represented in several museums and public collections.
He and his German wife, Ingrid, returned to Dangriga in July 2009 and they opened the Pen Cayetano Studio Gallery. He was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in the 2013 New Year Honors.
Interpretation
Famous for his vibrant colours, Garifuna artist and musician Pen Cayetano captures Belize’s tropical weather with panoramic views, swaying palm trees, islands and beaches.
The beautiful flora and fauna shows the 1000-feet waterfall, the green Maya mountains with macaw parrots, the Caribbean Sea featuring the famous Blue hole and the marine life.
The bear’s head is in the clouds in the always changing sky with various birds. The bear’s feet are in the sea and depicting the colours of the Belize National flag. The many archaeological sites like Altun Ha, Lamanai or Caracol of the ancient Mayas are giants of the past and a major tourist attraction.
The Garifuna people arrived paddling on canoes to the shores in 1823. The drum stands for their strong African roots and culture.
The turtle shells are the emblem for the Punta Rock music which was created by Pen Cayetano and the Turtle Shell Band in the early eighties.
The Belize Buddy Bear invites the viewers to come and visit this small beautiful country with its diverse culture, landscapes and friendly people.