Dominican artist Pedro Troncoso quickly became one of the most recognized young voices in contemporary art. A graduate of CHAVÓN The School of Design and Parsons School of Design, he has exhibited across the U.S., Europe, Asia and Latin America. Most recently, he collaborated with Porsche at MECA Art Fair 2024 and participated in group exhibitions from Puerto Rico to Madrid.
In this interview, Troncoso discusses his artistic roots, his evolving style and why the Caribbean remains central to his work.
You graduated from CHAVÓN. How did that experience shape your path as an artist?
CHAVÓN was where it all started. I didn’t just gain technical skills — I learned how to think visually. It gave me structure, but also creative freedom. That’s where I understood art as a way to think, to question and to connect with the world. It prepared me for Parsons and helped me take the idea of building a career seriously.
Your work blends surrealist imagery with personal and social themes. What do you try to express through your art?
I work with images that sit between dreaming and waking. I’m drawn to emotional states that feel hard to explain — vulnerability, identity, adulthood. Painting helps me reflect on what it means to be in between who we are and what we show. In many ways, my work is a study of the self. [. . .]
You’ve participated in major fairs like NADA, Art Basel and Art Central Hong Kong. What does it mean to be part of these international circuits?
Each fair brings a chance to connect with new audiences — collectors, curators and other artists. But more than recognition, I value being part of a global conversation while speaking from my personal and Caribbean experience. I want my work to cross borders without losing its roots.
You also took part in the launch of Sabroso Projects in Puerto Rico and in a group show in Madrid. How do these projects fit into your larger goals?
Both projects meant a lot. “Papelón” in Puerto Rico helped spotlight contemporary Caribbean art, which is something I strongly identify with. In Madrid, “Lo que es igual no es ventaja Vol. 2” brought together artists exploring migration, identity and belonging. In both, my work was in dialogue with others who share similar concerns from different contexts. [. . .]
Pedro Troncoso (b. 1996) studied Fine Arts at CHAVÓN The School of Design and earned his BFA from Parsons School of Design and MFA from the New York Academy of Art. His work has been shown in the United States, Europe, Asia and Latin America. He currently lives in New York.
Photos and article courtesy of CHAVÓN School of Design. For full article, visit https://casadecampoliving.com/the-surrealist-vision-of-dominican-artist-pedro-troncoso-travels-far-yet-stays-rooted/