Dominican artist Iris Perez Romero explores diversity, resilience
Installation view of Iris Perez Romero's exhibition “The Art of Resilience,” at The Trinity Gallery in Seoul / Courtesy of The Trinity Gallery
By Kwon Mee-yoo
Dominican artist Iris Perez Romero's works reflect her country's resilience and diversity.
Perez visited Korea last month to host an exhibition commemorating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Korea and the Dominican Republic and take part in an artist residence program on Nami Island in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province.
"Korea is a country that holds a special place in my heart. This is my second visit to Korea and I think Koreans are the 'Latins' of Asia. I have found many similarities, especially in the history and people's personalities," she told The Korea Times.
"The Dominican Republic is an island, but went through many ups and downs just like Korea. I wish my art could convey the message of resilience and connection to Koreans,” she said.
Her exhibit, “The Art of Resilience,” was co-organized by the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in Korea and The Trinity Gallery to strengthen the partnership between the two countries.
Iris Perez Romero's "Inside the Island" (2022) / Courtesy of the artist and The Trinity Gallery
Most of Perez's works focus on female figures, a theme she has worked with for a long time.
"Women of the Dominican Republic are exposed to violence, and I thought I had to send a message through art. Women have many problems, such as job, educational and financial difficulties. I think solving these problems is the process of (finding a) cure and recovery and figures in my works are results of such resilience," she said.
"Despite the heavy duties on women's shoulders, their efforts are often underestimated. In the Dominican Republic, women have fewer chances of getting a job with the high gender pay gap. Women are a (social) minority in society. My work lets the world know of the struggles women go through and how they fight against the hardship and discrimination."
Perez referred to her country as a symbol of resilience, as its people have been fighting against political challenges as well as racial and other forms of discrimination.
"There are many social problems in the Dominican Republic now, but we continue to fight and try to pursue virtue," the artist said.
"Immigrants are another important element of the Dominican Republic. It is a country with racial and ethnic diversity, and there are people who avoid the issue due to discrimination. I think it is important for the people and society to accept diversity,” she said.
Dominican artist Iris Perez Romero / Courtesy of the artist and The Trinity Gallery
Her latest works were created during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Perez once again explores the theme of resilience in them.
"At first, people struggled at staying at home to prevent the spread of the virus. I interpreted them as flowers blooming out of people lying in bed, waiting for the pandemic to pass by and preparing for recovery," she explained.
"Art is a weapon for us (to fight the pandemic). There were many ways to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic and scientists invented new medicine. However, the medicine could not find a cure for the soul of the people. Art has the power of connecting people to people. I hope those who see my paintings contemplate what the pandemic brought us and the power of solidarity,” she said.