FUNGLODE and GFDD inaugurated the photographic exhibition, “New Perspectives from the Dominican Republic: A Country From Heaven.” in Santiago

The Fundación Global Democracia y Desarrollo and its sister institution in the United States, the Global Foundation for Democracy (GFDD) with the support of the Ministry of Culture, inaugurated the photographic exhibition, “New Perspectives from the Dominican Republic: A Country From Heaven.” The photo show, on display in the gardens of the Grand Theater of Cibao in Santiago de los Caballeros, was inaugurated on Thursday July 9 and will remain open until August 9.

“This work reveals, in a photographic art form, the invaluable treasures of our valleys, bays, mountains, peaks and waterfalls – but above all, they are an encounter with our realities and our history,” said Rodríguez.

The exhibition is comprised of photos from the new book, “New Perspectives: Dominican Republic,” a publication of GFDD and FUNGLODE, carried out by an international interdisciplinary team led by Natasha Despotovic, Director and Editor-in-chief. This exhibition is preceded by the critically acclaimed show held in Santo Domingo from between May 7 and June 30. The pictures were taken by the French photographer Anne Casalé, who resides in the Dominican Republic.

The opening took place on a summer evening while the setting sun cast a contemplative glow on the photographs and viewers. On the garden lawn of the Grand Theater of Cibao, invited guests and journalists gathered for a simple but moving event.

Iban Campo, Director of Communication of FUNGLODE, welcomed the guests in the name of the two organizations responsible for the work. He thanked Enegildo Peña, Deputy Minister of Culture for the Northern Zone and Gina Rodríguez, Director of the Grand Theater of Cibao for making this exhibition in the Heart City of the Dominican Republic.

“I would also like to welcome the person who had the idea and carried through on it with an international team that was sensitive to the concept of showing this country from a different perspective. That person is Natasha Despotovic, who cannot be with us today but who sends her greatest appreciation for having made this exhibition possible, an exhibition which she will try to take to other cities and towns in the Dominican Republic before taking it onto the international circuit to show the world the beauty of this nation.”

Three Speeches

Mr. Campo then handed the microphone over to Enegildo Peña who welcomed everyone present. She expressed her delight at the fact that Santiago is hosting the exhibition that “shows us corners of our country that, on occasion, we might not recognize or be able to locate. As such, this is helping us to get to know our own country.” She also thanked FUNGLODE and GFDD for the confidence they’ve placed in the Ministry by including it as a participant of the exhibition. She went on to state the Ministry’s intention to “fill Santiago with culture.”

Gina Rodríguez, Director of the Grand Theater of Cibao, also thanked the organizers of the exhibition. She thanked and congratulated the team headed by Natasha Despotovic, especially Anne Casalé. “This work reveals, in a photographic art form, the invaluable treasures of our valleys, bays, mountains, peaks and waterfalls – but above all, they are an encounter with our realities and our history,” said Rodríguez.

“Anne Casalé is a great photographer who delights us with a visual tour that will serve as a stimulus to raise consciousness to preserve our natural and cultural heritage and to become better acquainted with the diversity and contrasts that exist in our country,” said the director of the Grand Theater.

The protagonist of the evening, photographer Anne Casalé, with the book “New Perspectives: Dominican Republic,” in her hands, read the words that describe what she attempted to do with her photographs. “Through this exhibition we can all enjoy the diversity of colors and contrasts this country has to offer us. The Dominican Republic has a vast wealth of natural beauty, so much more than just a beach destination.” Ms. Casalé reiterated her appreciation for having had the privilege of contributing to making Ms. Despotovic’s idea a reality which was also promoted by President Leonel Fernández. She also thanked the team who worked on the project.

The Exhibition and the Book

The exhibition is a display of 130 photographs taken in the provinces of Samaná, Altagracia, Santiago Rodríguez, Santo Domingo, Pedernales, Barahona, Monte Cristi, Valverde, Puerto Plata, Santiago, Espaillat, Salcedo, María Trinidad Sánchez, Duarte, Hato Mayor, El Seibo, La Romana, San Pedro de Macorís, Monte Plata, San Cristóbal, San José, Azua, La Vega, San José de Ocoa, Sánchez Ramírez, Peravia, Monseñor Nouel, Independencia, Bahoruco, Elías Piña and Dajabón.

“New Perspectives: Dominican Republic,” is a tour de force, bilingual (English & Spanish) publication of some 400 aerial photographs organized in nine chapters: Reflections of Light, Coasts, Mountains, Plains, History, City, People, Tourism and Work. The book contains images as well as text that show and describe the different aspects of the country’s history, culture, environment and contemporary life.

The creation and publication of the book is part of the GFDD and FUNGLODE’s mission to promote the image of the Dominican Republic around the world, disseminate information about the country and to strengthen appreciation and respect for its culture and ecological heritage.

The GFDD and FUNGLODE are hoping this book will serve as a point of reference for the local population and Dominicans living abroad as well as foreign visitors, the country’s business sector, students, amateur photographers and anyone interested in better understanding the Dominican Republic.

The book is available at FUNGLODE’s Central Office in Santo Domingo and GFDD offices in New York and Washington, DC. It can also be purchased online at: www.dominicanaonline.org/shopping