January 11th - February 16th 2008
Bridging Two Worlds
Born in La Romana, on the island of the Dominican Republic, I spent my childhood playing baseball and exploring the tropical jungles, always admiring the patterns and colors of my surroundings. When I was 16 years old I moved to the island of Manhattan. Surrounded by the towering structures and fierce rivers of this modern metropolis,
I found myself captivated by the ever-changing colors and shapes the city encompassed. After years of baseball and injuries I have dedicated my life to the exploration of color and, the challenge of capturing life. I never pictured myself living anywhere else, but I still yearn for my boyhood paradise. In these works I have focused on the integration of my two worlds. By allowing myself to travel between both islands, I bridge the gap within my personal history. I will always be torn between my worlds. No matter how infatuated I am with the island of Manhattan, it will always be alien to my soul. I find my expression within this dilemma.-Johnny Castillo
