PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic — Dominican artist, curator, and cultural promoter Oscar Abreu has announced the official launch of “Top 100 Artists: ART GABANGI 2026,” a deluxe collector’s edition showcasing the work of 100 of the most influential visual artists shaping contemporary Dominican art.
The publication will be officially presented on July 6, 2026, during the ART GABANGI 2026 Gala Première at the Abreu Museum in Punta Cana, inaugurating a nine-day international cultural event that will feature exhibitions, artistic exchanges, conferences, and networking opportunities for artists, collectors, and cultural leaders.
Among the highlights of this year’s edition is the selection of acclaimed visual artist Julieta Prissell as one of the 10 featured artists chosen for the publication’s exclusive collector’s covers.
According to organizers, Prissell’s inclusion recognizes a distinguished artistic career inspired by the cultural heritage of the Caribbean and Africa. Her work explores themes of ancestral memory, spirituality, identity, music, and contemporary expression, earning her recognition as one of the Dominican Republic’s leading contemporary artists.
Collector’s Edition with Ten Exclusive Covers
In an innovative publishing concept, Abreu has produced 10 special collector’s editions of the book, each featuring a different cover highlighting the work of one of the selected artists.
The initiative transforms the publication into a limited-edition collectible intended for museums, libraries, cultural institutions, private collectors, and art enthusiasts, while celebrating the diversity and excellence of Dominican visual arts.
Organizers describe the series as a tribute to artists whose work has helped elevate the international profile of Dominican contemporary art.
A Comprehensive Record of Contemporary Dominican Art
Designed as both a collector’s piece and an important cultural reference, “Top 100 Artists: ART GABANGI 2026” includes artist biographies, critical essays, curatorial analysis, and high-quality reproductions of selected works.
The publication aims to document the contributions of artists whose careers have played a significant role in the evolution of Dominican visual culture while preserving their legacy for future generations.
Gala Première to Open Nine-Day Cultural Festival
The official launch will coincide with the opening of ART GABANGI 2026, scheduled for July 6–14 at the Abreu Museum in Punta Cana.
The event is expected to bring together artists, collectors, business executives, diplomats, investors, cultural institutions, media representatives, and art patrons from the Dominican Republic and abroad.
As part of the opening ceremony, acclaimed performer Indhira will present a special tribute to legendary French singer Édith Piaf, celebrating one of the most iconic voices in international music.
Promoting Dominican Art on the Global Stage
Oscar Abreu said the publication was created with the goal of preserving the artistic legacy of contemporary Dominican creators while increasing their international visibility.
“Top 100 Artists represents much more than a book,” Abreu said. “It is a tribute to the dedication, discipline, and transformative power of art. Our goal is to preserve this cultural legacy while creating new opportunities for Dominican artists on the international stage.”
He added that the selection of Julieta Prissell and the other featured cover artists reflects the importance of recognizing creators whose work deserves to be studied, celebrated, and preserved.
Held under the theme “100 Artists, 9 Days, One Historic Event,” ART GABANGI 2026 seeks to strengthen Punta Cana’s growing reputation as a destination for cultural tourism while positioning the Dominican Republic as a leading hub for contemporary art in the Caribbean.
