¿POR QUE DULCE CAÑA? 

Ramon Oviedo's "¿POR QUE DULCE CAÑA?" uses charcoal and oil, blending traditional art materials with a direct, urgent approach. Oviedo’s expressive strokes capture the complex relationship between labor and the landscape. The materiality speaks volumes, with the rough charcoal mirroring the harsh realities of sugarcane cultivation in the Dominican Republic. Notice the obscured faces: a stark visual metaphor for the erasure of identity experienced by many laborers. The oil paint adds depth, suggesting both the richness of the land and the exploitation inherent in its use. Oviedo engages with a tradition of social realism, yet departs from it through abstraction. This choice amplifies the emotional impact, inviting viewers to contemplate the broader implications of labor, politics, and consumption. Ultimately, Oviedo challenges us to consider how materials and making can expose uncomfortable truths, bridging the divide between fine art and social commentary.