Interview with Antonio Porto Broccoli by Edmee Cappas
August 2008 in El Condado, Puerto Rico
Antonio Bróccoli Porto exemplifies how diverse Puerto Ricans ethnicity can be. With an educational background ranging from the University of fine arts in the USA, Puerto Rico and Italy, coupled with his love for the rich and diverse culture of Puerto Rico you have an anthology of creations uniquely his own. Nicknamed “El Italiano” by virtue of his name, his induction into the artisan community of Puerto Rico became a reality as he displayed works of integrity with sincerity portraying the islands cultural influences.
Encouraged by his parents to pursue his passion for art, Antonio in the barrios of New York immersed himself in the music and dance native to the Afro centric influences of Puerto Rico. Among his pieces that reflect his African roots to name a few are Flora, La Isla Tiene Tambo, El Baile de Loiza Aldea, his whole Bomba Plena collection. Although he pays tribute to his education he identifies more with his experiences in the Bronx, the execution of his work remains constant in his work as he interprets those experiences inspired by what he saw and felt portraying these senses through his art pieces. His work is cultural and folkloric while maintaining his individual style of painting and use of color. He incorporates the belief that “we are all creation of god and our traditions are of value for future generations to appreciate, my love for the rich and diverse culture of Puerto Rico motivates me to create”.
As part of his repertoire Antonio was featured as an artist in residence promoting the “Me Mask Project” where elementary students (K-4) of Bradford School in Montclair, N.J. were taught through art, music and literature to explore their uniqueness and cultural backgrounds to create a mask that will depict who they are. He emphasized the importance of interviewing family members, researching oral traditions and the cultural perspectives they bring to the community.
Art flows from Antonio’s soul and unique to this declaration is his transformation titled “Loiza a Osun” which is his interpretation of the masterpiece titled “Flaming June” by Lord Leighton, which hangs in the Ponce Museum of Puerto Rico. The transformation with intense detail and imagery indigenous to a Caribbean Dancer of Bomba from Loiza is a testament to the artist portrayal to be remembered for his expressions of beauty and culture along with impressionable nobility of his love for Puerto Rico.
Antonio Broccoli Porto has a web site with a wealth of information of his family, works and featured pieces around the world, as well as special recipes and honorary guests. In viewing his site you will be transformed into a world of diversity and knowledge that has embraced his journey from the past to the present; porto@studioporto.com or you can drop him a line at his home and studio: Art Studio Porto 332 Vales de Torrimar Penthouse Studio F-308, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico 00966
The Mask Project: The project also provided its participants with career awareness and with authentic activities that bring students closer to possible career choices in the fields of art, communication and teaching. If you are interested in bringing this type of workshop to your local school please have the school administration contact the artist at
August 2008 in El Condado, Puerto Rico
Antonio Bróccoli Porto exemplifies how diverse Puerto Ricans ethnicity can be. With an educational background ranging from the University of fine arts in the USA, Puerto Rico and Italy, coupled with his love for the rich and diverse culture of Puerto Rico you have an anthology of creations uniquely his own. Nicknamed “El Italiano” by virtue of his name, his induction into the artisan community of Puerto Rico became a reality as he displayed works of integrity with sincerity portraying the islands cultural influences.
Encouraged by his parents to pursue his passion for art, Antonio in the barrios of New York immersed himself in the music and dance native to the Afro centric influences of Puerto Rico. Among his pieces that reflect his African roots to name a few are Flora, La Isla Tiene Tambo, El Baile de Loiza Aldea, his whole Bomba Plena collection. Although he pays tribute to his education he identifies more with his experiences in the Bronx, the execution of his work remains constant in his work as he interprets those experiences inspired by what he saw and felt portraying these senses through his art pieces. His work is cultural and folkloric while maintaining his individual style of painting and use of color. He incorporates the belief that “we are all creation of god and our traditions are of value for future generations to appreciate, my love for the rich and diverse culture of Puerto Rico motivates me to create”.
As part of his repertoire Antonio was featured as an artist in residence promoting the “Me Mask Project” where elementary students (K-4) of Bradford School in Montclair, N.J. were taught through art, music and literature to explore their uniqueness and cultural backgrounds to create a mask that will depict who they are. He emphasized the importance of interviewing family members, researching oral traditions and the cultural perspectives they bring to the community.
Art flows from Antonio’s soul and unique to this declaration is his transformation titled “Loiza a Osun” which is his interpretation of the masterpiece titled “Flaming June” by Lord Leighton, which hangs in the Ponce Museum of Puerto Rico. The transformation with intense detail and imagery indigenous to a Caribbean Dancer of Bomba from Loiza is a testament to the artist portrayal to be remembered for his expressions of beauty and culture along with impressionable nobility of his love for Puerto Rico.
Antonio Broccoli Porto has a web site with a wealth of information of his family, works and featured pieces around the world, as well as special recipes and honorary guests. In viewing his site you will be transformed into a world of diversity and knowledge that has embraced his journey from the past to the present; porto@studioporto.com or you can drop him a line at his home and studio: Art Studio Porto 332 Vales de Torrimar Penthouse Studio F-308, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico 00966
The Mask Project: The project also provided its participants with career awareness and with authentic activities that bring students closer to possible career choices in the fields of art, communication and teaching. If you are interested in bringing this type of workshop to your local school please have the school administration contact the artist at
porto@studioporto.com or call 787 646 2753
1 comment:
i love Antonio's art...i have one...and want more!!!
check out his work
susan in illinois
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