GARIFUNA NIGHTS

This piece was inspired by a very well- known ethnic group native to Honduras and Central America known as the Garifuna. The afro- indigenous descendants inhabit the coastal towns and maintain a distinct culture, history, and language. This painting is a tribute to the vibrant resilient people of the Central American Coast. Gomez recalls seeing groups of people dancing the national dance of Honduras called Punta. The artist recalls nights filled with music, dance and fresh pan de coco or coconut bread. Dancing in the crowds and drinking guifiti, a rum-based herbal drink that they brew and sell. The African influences Punta dance is known to be exclusively Honduran and is well known throughout Latin America and the Caribbean Islands. You can feel the fun and hear the music and laughter from this painting. This work captures the passion, beauty, and essence of unique resilient people that have stood the test of time.