Aguilar loves children and will do anything in his power to teach them about their ancestors so they “learn where they came from so they'll know where they're going”.
Aguilar is a registered member of the United Confederation of Taino People and a member of the Cacibajagua Taino Cultural Society. Cacibajagua plays traditional style indigenous Caribbean music using ancient instruments, language and rhythms.
Aguilar currently lives in the Bronx with Reina Miranda, his student and business partner.
Artist Statement:
“A lot of my work represents the spiritual side of the Taino people and North Native Americans. Stories told and some untold. I continually try to come from a fresh and simpler point of view. To date the people who collect my work is always waiting for the next painting and continue asking for more.”
As Taino Spirit:
Exhibiting and appearing with Reina Miranda as Taino Spirit, this year Aguilar works have been featured at the United Nations and the American Museum of Natural History as well as notable events such as the Capicu Events Series at the Notice Lounge, Cemi Underground, Blog talk Radio/Capicu Radio Show, New York Pod Cafe with Carmen Amoros Goldberg, and the Verizon HSO Scholarship Fashion Show. Taino Spirit has also exhibited at several Native American Pow Wows, Sunset Park in Brooklyn and many countless events within the Tri State along with Reina Miranda.
During last year’s holiday season he and Reina contributed to the Pal' Pueblo Charity event in Brooklyn raising much need funds for local children’s program. For the event Aguilar produced several one of a kind, hand-painted jackets and also brought three laundry bags full of toys for the event.
“So what can you say about this man that hasn't been already said… Thank you for taking the time to read this and in the words of our Taino ancestors "Bo'matum Guatiao" (Thank you relatives).”
- Reina Miranda, Taino Spirit
About Aguilar the Artist
Aguilar's Biography:
Aguilar is a 59 year young painter and sculptor of mixed indigenous heritage - Taino and Cherokee. He has traveled around the world learning, mentoring and displaying his collection. His paintings now hang in the homes of many prominent clients. Aguilar has worked in various mediums from comic books to murals, awards, caricatures, and sculptures, book covers, movies, and production sketches. But his love and spirit are always with his culture.
In addition to his focus on indigenous Taino culture Aguilar has recently begun producing the “Orisha's Series” to honor the African culture that was brought to the Caribbean islands along with the Spanish culture. Over time these two cultures inter-mingled with the Taino culture producing new cultural expressions, which in turn gave birth to many contemporary and popular cultural forms found throughout the Caribbean . Aguilar also loves the oral traditions, myths and legends of other cultures because of the magic and spirit within them.
In all his work, Aguilar strives to educate, enlighten and promote cultural growth for the present and future generations. On the popular social networking site “My Space” he has developed a step by step tutorial for adults and children detailing his creative process when he paints.
