About the Artist

Elisa María Santana Slaiman

Award-winning Artist & Academic Excellence

Elisa María Santana Slaiman is a distinguished visual artist and communication specialist, born on August 14, 1978, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Her journey in art began at an early age, when she started painting at just six years old under the guidance of renowned artists. At twelve, she formalized her artistic training at the National School of Fine Arts, the Guillo Pérez Academy, and later at the Altos de Chavón School of Design.

Throughout her career, she has developed a unique style that ranges from abstraction to figuration, drawing from Impressionism, Expressionism, Cubism, and Deconstructivism. Her work masterfully fuses painting and poetry, capturing deep emotion, strength, and passion. Her brushstrokes convey intensity, while her vibrant color palette evokes joy, nostalgia, and a desire to immortalize beauty and eternity through art.

Elisa's talent has been widely recognized. In 1998, she won first place in the Young Artists Painting Competition organized by Nidia Serra. In 2000, she graduated Summa Cum Laude in Advertising Communication from Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE). She also received recognition for the highest academic index in her class, along with the prestigious Konrad Lorenz Rodríguez Academic Excellence Award.

Her work has been featured in numerous group exhibitions in the Dominican Republic and internationally, including Brazil and Puerto Rico. In 2005, she held her first solo exhibition, "Colores del Alma," at the Dominican College of Plastic Artists (CODAP). In 2008, her second solo exhibition, "Retazos," in Punta Cana, was warmly received and further solidified her artistic trajectory.

In 2018, Elisa presented "Corales" at Lorenzillo's, a remarkable exhibition inspired by the richness and symbolism of marine ecosystems. The show reaffirmed her ability to translate the essence of nature into a vibrant and singular artistic vision.

Elisa continues to evolve in her practice, exploring new techniques and forms of expression. Her work transcends the visual, becoming an emotional and sensory experience that connects deeply with her audience.