The Diplomat
As part of the world’s largest outdoor art exhibition, Meninas Madrid Gallery 2024, the Dominican Republic presents, for the fourth consecutive year, its own menina: “Quisqueya La Bella”, an artistic proposal by Dominican designer Marie Elena Estrada.
As part of a collaboration between the Dominican Embassy in Spain, CEPM and Evergo, this work celebrates the identity and cultural richness of the Dominican Republic, projecting the country as a destination of unique and vibrant beauty.
The inauguration of the work was attended by Juan Bolivar Diaz, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic in Spain; Jose Marte Piantini, Consul General of the Dominican Republic in Madrid; Antonio Azzato, creator of Meninas Madrid Gallery; Rolando Gonzalez Bunster, President and CEO of InterEnergy Group; Roberto Herrera, Executive Director of CEPM and Evergo; artist Marie Elena Estrada, special guests of the Embassy and members of the Dominican community in Spain. To celebrate this special moment, the event was accompanied by Dominican music and dance, an authentic touch that connected attendees with the essence of the country.
“This menina is a stimulus for Dominican artists and an opportunity for Dominicans living in Spain to reaffirm their identity,” said Ambassador Juan Bolivar Diaz, in his opening remarks.
Inspired by the Dominican spirit, “Quisqueya La Bella” integrates details that evoke the culture and natural beauty of the Dominican Republic. She is dressed in the typical national costume; on her neck hangs a Larimar pendant, the national stone; her skirt is adorned with waves and rivers that represent the Dominican coasts and landscapes, and a red cayenne is intertwined in her Caribbean curls, inspired by the tropical essence. In addition, in her hand she holds the tricolor flag, symbol of union and national pride.
