Anselmo Liberato was born on May 1, 1974, in Santiago de los Caballeros in the Dominican Republic.
Liberato: “I believe that the first scense I developed was the visual. When I remember my first steps on the face of this earth a fog comes to mind. Dust lifted by the chariots and blowed by the wind. The busy sidewalk and dirt roads of Santiago de los caballeros, vagely comes to mind.”
It was in the United States that Anselmo was told that he had talent, and by the age of nine he was considered the most talented student to have attended the Maurice A. Fitzgerald elementary school. He was recognized for his talent by receiving the United federation of Teachers Award and the Art Medal for that school year; class of 85. While at “Alturo Toscanini” Junior High School, he was presented with several awards which included The United federation of Teachers Award and the schools Art award in 1989. In High School, Anselmo’s talent proved special. He participated in every semi-annual exhibitand his work was acknowledged among the best. During his first year at Fiorello Laguardia High School for Music and Performing Arts, Anselmo was the only ninth grader in all of New York City to exhibit his work at The Lever House sponsored by the Daily News.
In 1992 Anselmo’s Mentor, a Former Teacher And Friend, Mrs. Jacqueline Holland, Introduced him to the designer Oscar de la Renta. The Renowned designer recognized the talent of this young man and became his sponsor.
Anselmo Liberato Attended the School of Design at Altos De Chavon which is affiliated with the Parsons School of Design; under a two plus tow program that was to be continued at the, now called, the “New School for Social Research”.
Liberato: I entered Altos de Chavon Fall of 1993.
On the day that I was moving into campus I suffered an accident. The truck that was driving me and my belongings to my new school was violently struck by a car. The truck flipped and I almost lost my right arm. My shoulder dislocated and my right arm wasto remain mobil-free for a couple of months.
The first semester I had no choice but to paint and draw, not to mention my perform ordinary tasks all with my left arm and hand. I also drew and painted with my right foot.
It was quite a learning experience.
I arrived at Altos that very same day my car accident; My arm right arm swollen as thick as my thigh.
A day or two Later the Dean of Altos de Chavon School of design, Mr. Kaplan, together with the school’s founder Ms.Dominique Bludorn whent to see me at my dorm on campus. Charmingly ms. Bludorn said “…so this is whom Oscar de la Renta sent” with a smile.
I spoke about the pain and the difficulties I had with my right arm. Complaining about not beefing able to unpack”; Ms. Bluhdorn responded …” The worst thing you could do is to petty yourself.” …this was one of my “ajah moment”.
I became stronger thanks to those words.
It made a difference in my life. That armor of strength and courage is reflected on many of my paintings today.
below : Early sketches and anatomy studys done while at Altos de Chavon.
below: images from water colors, Ink paintings and other medium works,
The origen of my metal horse date back to as early as 1995
