Baquiné Series by José R. Alicea (Interpretation and Analysis)

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There are few subjects in Puerto Rican art that carry more emotional and cultural significance than the baquiné. The baquiné is a traditional practice that has its roots in African cultures; the ceremony, which is essentially a wake, celebrates the child’s ascension to Heaven after his or her death and is underpinned by the belief that the dead infant is now an angel. 

Baquiné II (El gran ciempiés)
Source: Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico

Naturally, this sad, yet poetic, subject inspired much creative and emotional outpouring. In fact, the baquiné is the subject of one of the most famous paintings in Puerto Rico’s history: Francisco Oller’s El Velorio. 

Baquiné III (Zape, zape, zape)
Source: Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico

Which is why José Alicea’s Baquiné series is such an important group of paintings in the story of Puerto Rico. Alicea, who studied with the great Puerto Rican artist Miguel Pou, is best known today for his prints and woodcuts. This particular series of prints tells the story of a baquiné ceremony in at least fifteen scenes (I researched the series, but couldn’t find the exact number of paintings it included). Starting with the death of the child and progressing through various stages of mourning to the burial bier.

Baquiné VI (Mujer con niño)
Source: Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico

Each print is composed of bold, colorful shapes and lines, which convey emotion and feeling with great clarity. Baquiné III is particularly moving. It is divided into two sections; the bottom portion shows three women howling with grief as a small, red figure hovers above in the top portion of the print. Presumably this figure represents the soul of the child, on its way to Heaven. 

Baquiné IX (El entierro)
Source: Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico

Taken together, these prints are a moving and modern look at grief. They are distinctly Puerto Rican, but they are also universal and, thus, deeply poignant.

Baquiné XV (Canción de baquiné)
Source: Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico

Disclaimer: I’m not an art historian or an expert on this topic. The above is my opinion, based on my interpretation of my foreknowledge of art and history. If I’ve done any additional research, I’ll note it above.

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