Awilda Sterling Duprey: A Pioneer of Afro-Caribbean Dance and Artistic Expression
awilda sterling duprey is a puerto rican artist, dancer, and choreographer—a figure whose work embodies the vibrant spirit of Puerto Rico’s artistic heritage. Born in barrio obrero, santurce, puerto rico in 1947, she embarked on an extraordinary journey that fused movement, music, and cultural exploration into groundbreaking performance pieces.
- Education: Sterling Duprey's artistic foundation began with a Bachelor’s degree in Painting from Escuela de Artes Plásticas y Diseño de Puerto Rico (1971), followed by studies at Universidad de Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus (Humanities Minor: Visual Arts and Languages) and School of Visual Arts in New York City. Further enriching her understanding was a Master's Degree from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn (1979). Currently, she pursues doctoral research in History at the Center for Advanced Studies on Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to intellectual growth alongside artistic practice.
- Dance Collective & Residencies: A pivotal moment arrived with the establishment of Pisotón, Puerto Rico’s first experimental dance collective—a testament to her belief in collaborative creativity and pushing boundaries within the performing arts. She honed her craft as Artist-in-Residence at Taller de Otra Cosa, fostering connections between artistic exploration and cultural dialogue.
Sterling Duprey's performance style is characterized by a masterful blend of Afro-Caribbean dance traditions, jazz improvisation, and contemporary movement techniques. This fusion reflects Puerto Rico’s complex history—rooted in African diaspora influences—and seeks to convey profound emotions and narratives through expressive physicality. Her work delves into themes of identity, memory, and social commentary, consistently challenging audiences to contemplate the human experience.
- Notable Achievements: Recognized for her artistic contributions, she received an Experimental Dance Fellowship from the NEA (1985), a Caribbean Cultural Contribution Award from the Puerto Rican Cultural Institute (2001), and a United States Artists Rolón Fellow (2010)—honors that underscore the significance of her work within both local and international contexts.
- Exhibitions & Performances: Sterling Duprey’s artistic vision has graced galleries and museums across Puerto Rico, the United States, and Latin America. Her performances have captivated audiences worldwide, cementing her reputation as a visionary choreographer who illuminates cultural heritage through innovative movement expression.
Among her celebrated solo exhibitions include "...blindfolded," presented in San Juan (2020), “con son y ton” at Liga de Arte de San Juan (2019), and "Correspondence/correspondencia" alongside Taller Malaquita (2018). Her group performances have explored themes of Puerto Rican culture and identity, notably “no existe un mundo poshuracán: Puerto Rican Art in the Wake of Hurricane Maria,” curated by Marcela Guerrero at Whitney Museum of American Art (New York), and "Cimarronas: artistas negras y afrodescendientes" at Museo Casa Escuté (Carolina). Her artistic journey continues to inspire artists and audiences alike.
Further Information:
You can explore more about Awilda Sterling Duprey’s work on the Gavlak Gallery website (
) and delve into her participation in exhibitions at The Clark Art Institute () and Museo Casa Escuté ().
