Red Self-Portrait 

Ramon Oviedo painted this striking “Red Self-Portrait” using vibrant colors and bold lines. Oviedo emerged as an artist during a period of political turmoil and cultural change in the Dominican Republic, bearing witness to the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo. The pervasive use of red might evoke a sense of passion, or even pain. Look closely at the network of blue and yellow lines that sculpt the face, as if mapping the artist's inner landscape. Oviedo once said, "The painter must provoke, disturb, and make people think." This portrait achieves just that. The intensity of the gaze, the depth of color – it all invites a dialogue about identity, resilience, and the role of the artist as a witness. Oviedo challenges traditional portraiture by presenting a raw, emotionally charged image of himself. His work becomes a mirror reflecting broader societal issues while also inviting deeply personal reflection.