Nana Abreu, Puerto Rico, Taino Ceramics
Nana Abreu is a Puerto Rican artist specializing in ceramics with Taíno themes. Her work is celebrated around the world as a unique way to promote Taino indigenous culture and to support preservatation of heritage for the island.
What makes Nana’s ceramics remarkable is their ability to resonate across cultures. As she shares on her website , it’s deeply gratifying to see people from different backgrounds connect with the imagery and stories embedded in her work. Each piece becomes a bridge—between past and present, between Puerto Rico and the world.
Her pieces are infused with the spirit of the Taíno people—the original inhabitants of Borikén, now known as Puerto Rico. Through intricate depictions of Taíno gods and petroglyphs, Nana invites viewers to connect with a legacy that is often overlooked but deeply foundational.
But her storytelling doesn’t stop there. Her ceramic creations also feature Vejigante masks, a vibrant tradition born from the Spanish-Moorish conflicts of the 16th century, now a staple of Puerto Rican festivals. These masks, with their bold colors and fierce expressions, are more than decorative—they’re symbols of resistance, celebration, and identity.
In Nana Abréu’s hands, clay is not just a medium—it’s a message. It’s history you can hold. It’s identity you can feel. And it’s art that reminds us that our roots, no matter how far we travel, are always worth celebrating.
Nana currently lives in North Carolina where her studio is located. Her pieces can be found in these museums, and online here at Caribe Art.
North Carolina:
- Cecy's Gallery & Studios - Durham
- North Carolina Museum of Art - Raleigh
- Cary Gallery of Artists - Cary
New York City: