Dominican visual artist and sculptor, Cristal De La Cruz, explores the invisible connections between humans, nature, mythology, technology, and cultural heritage. Her research-based practice involves Taíno culture – the indigenous people of the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean at large. Her work aims to create more awareness about the ocean and the profound relation the Taíno’s had with the ocean. Rather than focusing on colonial rupture, Cristal foregrounds the richness, ecological wisdom, and spiritual knowledge of Taíno traditions. Proposing the past and effects of displacements as a framework for imagining and speculating on more conscious futures.

Cristal’s work blends craftsmanship with modern mechanics, she integrates parametric design and kinetic elements. This way, she creates sculptures and installations where movement, material, and meaning converge in poetic and speculative forms.

Cristal is selected for the prestigious artists in-residence 2027 at the international research centre of ceramics.