Carlos Santiago: Puerto Rican Vision and Resilience at “Artists for Action: Climate Change Awareness in the Americas”

Occhi Arts and Entertainment is proud to support “Artists for Action: Climate Change Awareness in the Americas,” an impactful exhibition presented by International Communications Association Inc. and Diaspora Now Inc., in association with the Permanent Mission of Barbados to the United Nations. Taking place at the Dwyer Cultural Center in Harlem, this show features paintings, photographs, prints, and videos by 12 exceptional Caribbean and Diaspora artists, all highlighting efforts to protect and restore fragile ecosystems—especially the oceans that sustain the Caribbean’s tourism and food security. The exhibition is curated by Anderson M. Pilgrim of Barbados and New York City.

The show underscores the vital importance of safeguarding coastal regions for future generations. Increasing instances of sargassum seaweed washing up on beaches have inspired new recycling solutions, while changing weather cycles and more intense storms threaten food security and infrastructure. Regional agronomists are working closely with leaders to help communities adapt, feed their citizens, and protect resources at or below sea level. Whether these challenges are faced by Caribbean islands or US states like California, Florida, New York, or North Carolina, climate change is shaping both our present and our future.

Among the talented artists featured, Occhi is excited to highlight Carlos Santiago from Puerto Rico. Born in Peñuelas in 1978, Santiago’s artistic journey began at the Puerto Rico School of Plastic Arts, where he graduated in 2001. Awarded the prestigious Arana Scholarship, he spent a year in Paris, studying at renowned institutions and working at several studios, including the Alfonso Arana atelier. Santiago further honed his craft with the “Les Rats Du Champs,” a group dedicated to painting in watercolors in the Alps.

In 2015, Santiago completed his M.A. in Painting and Drawing at the Catholic University of Ponce, PR. Since 2001, he has held eleven solo exhibitions and participated in group shows across Puerto Rico, the United States, Canada, France, and Peru. His work, rooted in expressionism, explores themes of resistance, humanity, and defiance. In addition to his artistic achievements, Santiago has spent nearly five years as an exclusive artist with Galeria Petrus, one of Puerto Rico’s most prestigious galleries, and has been a dedicated educator at the Ponce Art Museum since 2001. His commitment to public art is evident in projects like the “Yo Soy Peñuelas” entrance sign and the newly inaugurated entrance to Yauco’s Urban Park.

Carlos Santiago’s passion for art extends beyond his own practice—he is deeply invested in teaching and inspiring others, ensuring that art remains a vibrant force in Puerto Rican communities.

The Dwyer Cultural Center invites the public to meet the curator and artists for a panel discussion on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 5:30 to 8:00 pm, on the theme “Climate Change Awareness in the Americas – Small States in the Lead.”  The show runs until January 31st, 2026. Special thanks to Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., the Consulate General of Barbados in New York, the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, and the Manhattan Borough President’s Office for their invaluable support. Join us in celebrating Carlos Santiago and the powerful community of artists using their creativity to inspire action and awareness for a more sustainable future.