As a native CHamoru, born and raised on the Pacific island of Guam—an unincorporated Territory of the United States of America—Jerrold Dwayne Castro has a firm appreciation for his Chamoru heritage. Exploring his identity as a CHamoru, his culture is what defines him and is a big influence on what he wants to convey with his art. As a retired U.S. military officer, Castro served in various assignments around the world and in multiple deployments in Iraq. His experience in the Army exposed him to different cultures and created an appreciation for the uniqueness of his own.
A rising awareness of the different colonial influences within his native culture piqued a window of exploration, ultimately allowing him to create his Inafa'maolek - To Make Good series. This series of paintings highlights the impact to the CHamoru culture as it is subjected to centuries under Colonialism. With this series, Castro wants to draw attention to the fact that colonialism still exists in this modern day, and that its effects have a greater impact on small, unique cultures throughout the world.
Aside from inspiration from colonial influences, Castro describes himself as a "contemporary realist" who draws from his culture, the figure or object using classical and abstract processes, traditional and contemporary techniques to achieve a high level of finish. His work is narrative, surreal, highly conceptual and directly honest using observation, direct mark making, and if necessary, symbolism to best convey his message to the viewer.
A rising awareness of the different colonial influences within his native culture piqued a window of exploration, ultimately allowing him to create his Inafa'maolek - To Make Good series. This series of paintings highlights the impact to the CHamoru culture as it is subjected to centuries under Colonialism. With this series, Castro wants to draw attention to the fact that colonialism still exists in this modern day, and that its effects have a greater impact on small, unique cultures throughout the world.
Aside from inspiration from colonial influences, Castro describes himself as a "contemporary realist" who draws from his culture, the figure or object using classical and abstract processes, traditional and contemporary techniques to achieve a high level of finish. His work is narrative, surreal, highly conceptual and directly honest using observation, direct mark making, and if necessary, symbolism to best convey his message to the viewer.
All images and content of this website are copyrighted by the artist, Jerrold Dwayne Castro.
Any use or reproduction in any form without permission is prohibited.
Any use or reproduction in any form without permission is prohibited.
