Panamanian artist Ivan Casis is showcasing a lifetime of observation in his latest exhibition. “My Dear Casco Viejo” opened this week at the Juan Manuel Cedeño Gallery in Las Bóvedas. The free exhibit runs until February 19, featuring 85 ceramic and acrylic paintings of the historic district.
The collection captures iconic streets, parks, and monuments of Casco Viejo, Panama. Casis began his artistic study of the neighborhood’s architecture and spaces back in 1980. His work offers a detailed chronicle of the area’s changing character over four decades.
A Lifelong Artistic Connection
Now 76, Casis has a deeply personal connection to the subject matter. He received his first training at the Directorate of Fine Arts, then located in the Casco Antiguo. His teacher, Adriano Herrera Barria, tasked students with drawing every building and street. That foundational exercise shaped Casis’s permanent bond with the local patrimonio hist.
“Portraying historical heritage is portraying lives that have already passed. Every building and every street has a story,” Casis said. [Translated from Spanish]
Born on 5th Street West near the Cathedral, the artist says he remains profoundly linked to the neighborhood. His works reflect a tangible intimacy. Viewers will recognize facades, balconies, clotheslines, and architectural details rendered with affection. He uses vibrant acrylic paint to bring these everyday scenes to life.
The exhibition invites the public to reconnect with the district’s beauty. Casis hopes his personal vision resonates with both residents and visitors. He views the show as a shared celebration of a unique urban space in Panama City.
Celebrating Daily Life and Heritage
This project goes beyond mere architectural documentation. Casis focuses on the life that has animated these spaces for generations. Flowers on a balcony or shadows on a colonial wall tell their own stories. His technique blends precise observation with a warm, narrative quality.
“I am in love with this place and I believe those who visit the exhibition will like it as much as I do,” the artist concluded. [Translated from Spanish]
The Juan Manuel Cedeño Gallery is hosting the display within the historic Las Bóvedas complex. This location itself is a key part of the casco antiguo landscape Casis paints. Gallery hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily with no admission fee.
Cultural officials often highlight art as a tool for heritage preservation. Exhibitions like this one contribute to ongoing conversations about valuing urban history. They complement physical restoration work happening throughout the casco viejo district.
For Ivan Casis, the show represents a full-circle moment. It brings his childhood neighborhood and his lifelong artistic mission together in a single gallery. Visitors can trace the evolution of both the artist and the city through his collected works.