Engel Leonardo

Antillas

Engel Leonardo’s sculptural installation, Antillas, delves into themes of cultural identity, geography, and colonial history through a meticulously crafted conceptual representation of the Antilles (a group of islands in the Caribbean). Consisting of seven sculptures that combine concrete, steel, earth and living plants, the work’s formal and chromatic exploration focuses on the painted iron bases that support identical white pots containing various flora that are either endemic or native in the region. The use of the sculptural potential of the plants completes the composition. The work also refers to tropical modern architecture style, representing the islands of the Antilles, who are individual and indivisible at the same time. This fact leads us to the geological origin of the archipelago (Antillia), the pre-Columbian exchange of the first settlers, common struggles for freedom, and the spirit of cultural and social cooperation of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Through Antillas the artist explores the complex histories and identities of Caribbean nations, highlighting their rich cultural tapestries and legacies of colonialism. The artwork’s intricate details and vibrant colors evoke the natural beauty and diversity of the islands, while also prompting reflection on the social and political dynamics that have shaped the region. Leonardo’s work is both a celebration of Caribbean heritage and a critical examination of the forces that have influenced its development, inviting viewers to engage with the interconnected narratives of place, history, and identity.