El Salvador is rich in the arts, whether it is literature to handicrafts. This wonderful country is filled with all kinds of art. Filling the streets, in museums, or in a person's home, art is everywhere. A lot of the country's art expression is heavily influenced by the the country's turbulent past and politics. However, other things can been seen or read in the art, whether it is the country's natural features or their customs. Their art expresses their culture meaning how they think and how they live.
Literature
There are all of literature in El Salvador. One example is poetry. Poetry has been a big tradition for a long time in El Salvador. It is enjoyed by the majority of the people in the country. Topics may vary, but some common topics for poems are the natural beauty of El Salvador, rural life, and about the government turmoil in the country that had been present for over a decade. Writers from the country also write short stories. Several writers have had to flee the country, for writing about controversial topics. The government doesn't appreciate those who bad-mouth them. A few notable writers are Juan Jose Canas Gavidia and Salvador Salazar. Missing all the beauty of his homeland, Juan wrote nostalgically about El Salvador's natural features, like the lakes and volcanoes, while living in Spain in exile. As well as being a short story writer and novelist, Salvador was a painter too. In fact, his short story called "Cuentos De Barro", or Stories of Mud, has been called the beginning of the modern Latin short story genre.
The Music
Music is an integral part of Salvadorean culture. It is heard blasting loudly out of cars, at fiestas, on the corner, everywhere. There are a variety of songs that can be heard there. Religious songs are one kind. It has been greatly impacted by Roman Catholicism. These types of songs are normally played during holidays, such as Christmas, feast days, or patron saints days. There are a few music stations on the radio dedicated to religious songs. Different culture have affected the music of the country. Mayan, African, Pipil, and Spanish cultures have all influenced the music. These cultures can be heard in the different instrument and rhythms heard in songs. Mainstream music from the U.S. can also be heard on the radio. Even though not everyone understands the songs because of the language barrier, they still enjoy it. Typical Latin music is also very popular. Cumbia salsa, reggaeton, bachata, and urban are all genres that are very popular. Songs from artists from other countries are listened to frequently, like Shakira or Marc Anthony. Various instruments are used. Marimbas, tepechs, flutes, drums, scapers, gourds, and guitars can all be heard in the music. Guitars and other similar instrument invaded the country's music from other countries, such as Mexico. Out of all the instruments, the marimba is the most popular. The appearance of the marimba is very similar to that of a piano. The marimba has keys made of gourds. People strike the keys with padded sticks to create sound. The result is a sound like delicate chimes. Up to nine people can harmonize with this instrument. Because of its lively sound, the marimba can be heard frequently at events like parties or weddings. It has been used in orchestral compositions which have been performed all over the world.
Crafts
The making of crafts has been a part of El Salvador culture since the times of the Maya. It still plays a prominent role today. Many people and even villages/towns, specialize in making crafts, such as pottery or jewelry. One example, is Ilobasco, which is known for its intricate ceramics and surprises, or surprises in English. These surprises are actually figures made out of clay and nativity scenes, that are hidden in small shells. Basket-making is the specialty of the Pipil village of Nahuizalco. Rainbow-colored hammocks and other woven crafts form the base of San Sebastian's economy. Their crafts are made on handmade wooden looms. Another village is Sesuntepeque, a village that makes palm-leaf hats. Other crafts that are made in various other villages/towns, are rope, petates ( or sleeping mats), saddle-bags, and jewelery. People who live near the coast make bracelets, necklaces, and other beautiful trinkets out of seashells from the beaches. The people of El Salvador are creative and love to make crafts with several different materials.
Paintings
Another unique part of Salvadorean culture are their paintings. Paintings are used to express how people feel or think . They capture how people feel. They are also used to advertise products for stores and attract customers. Paintings can be seen on walls, hanging in galleries, on small handicrafts, and The paintings are often brightly-colored and alive. Various things and topics are painted. Ranging from religious themes to town life to animals, the paintings feature images that the people see often or experience,
Although, Salvadorean painters have been around for much longer, it wasn't until the 1900's that the country actually produced well-known and notable painters. Jose Mejia Vides, is the most famous and well-known contemporary painter. Jose is often called the "Painter of Panchimalco" because his paintings often featured small-town life. His style could be described as vivid, realistic, and simple. Julia Diaz was El Salvador's best-known female painter. She painted rural life, the natural landscapes of the country, and people important to her. Raul Elias Reyes, Luis Angel Salinas, and Camillo Minero are all Salvadorean contemporary painters that have showcased their art internationally.
In the 1990's, a now notable and well-known art school was established in the town of La Palma. It was founded by Fernando Llort. Artists now train and live in that small town. Art from La Palma is colorful and has a naive style of depicting religious scenes and the everyday life in rural parts of El Salvador. The paintings are made onto pottery, wooden crosses, and other mediums.
Although, Salvadorean painters have been around for much longer, it wasn't until the 1900's that the country actually produced well-known and notable painters. Jose Mejia Vides, is the most famous and well-known contemporary painter. Jose is often called the "Painter of Panchimalco" because his paintings often featured small-town life. His style could be described as vivid, realistic, and simple. Julia Diaz was El Salvador's best-known female painter. She painted rural life, the natural landscapes of the country, and people important to her. Raul Elias Reyes, Luis Angel Salinas, and Camillo Minero are all Salvadorean contemporary painters that have showcased their art internationally.
In the 1990's, a now notable and well-known art school was established in the town of La Palma. It was founded by Fernando Llort. Artists now train and live in that small town. Art from La Palma is colorful and has a naive style of depicting religious scenes and the everyday life in rural parts of El Salvador. The paintings are made onto pottery, wooden crosses, and other mediums.