Felo Garcia: Top Costa Rican Artist on Display, One of My Favorites

This Wednesday is the opening of an exhibit of works by one of Costa Rica's most famous artists, Felo Garcia. Celebrating his career, this special showing at the Bank Museum's temporary exhibit hall, showcases recent works including, 'The Corners of Here and There' and 'Files', Oct. 20 - Nov. 28.

Garcia's story is one of adventure. With some background in architecture, he played soccer in Cuba where he met Manuel de la Cruz and began to take an interest in painting. Continuing onward to play soccer in Columbia he became fascinated with las favelas and began painting with more frequency. He continued formal training in painting in London and held a career as Director of Arquitecture at the University of Costa Rica.

For me, Garcia captures some of the more impoverished scenes we often see in Latin America, pulling out the quaint, quiet beauty of these urban architectural landscapes. This exhibit will be a must see if you are in town, showing many of these scenes, as well as more recent abstract work in black and white with lines.

Barrio Bird offers walking tours of San Jose. If you are a visitor or have lived here for some time, there is always a new way to see the city. View tours or make a reservation by emailing barriobird@gmail.com or calling 8926-9867.

Contemporary National Music in Costa Rica

Are you visiting and want to check out some of the most notorious bands, or living here and want to be more connected to music produced nationally? Radio Malpais is a great place to start a search. Broadcasting online at http://www.radiomalpais.com/ there are constant interviews with artists and what's played is 100% associated with Costa Rica.

Last Sat. was the 3rd anniversary party of the station, and a great concert was held at Latino Rock Cafe....a great venue to start seeing Costa Rican bands. The following are the artists that played, I liked them all and would see any of them again. The night ended with some 'Carnival' dancers & drummers. Fiesta! Photos also included.

Pato Barraza--electric guitarist and vocalist, rock, Costa Rican staple
Bernal Villegas--electric guitarist and vocalist, rock, Costa Rican staple
La Escafandra-- 5 piece rock--this band has certain sounds, rythms, key changes, etc. that I've only heard in Costa Rica, they are young probably all early 20's
CantoAmerica--Latin Fusion, lots of carribean influence, internationally known and respected, a truly great band and a must see while in Costa Rica.

Barrio Bird offers walking tours of San Jose. If you are a visitor or have lived here for some time, there is always a new way to see the city. View tours or make a reservation by emailing barriobird@gmail.com or calling 8926-9867