THIS IS KIKI VALDES

Miami artist. Cartoonist at heart, painter by reputation. 
@kikivaldes
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A Tribute to Chris Mendoza / EDEC

"Pig Roast"

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This painting is a dedication to the tradition of smoked meats. 

The Tainos invented the technique in the Caribbean islands, and it was observed by the Spanish who referred to it as Barbacoa. Overtime, it’s changed over regional techniques and now it’s called Barbecue in the US. To put it frankly, I love barbecue.. I also love family tradition as well. 

I have this distinct memory when I was a child on vacation with family in the Dominican Republic where I saw the way the Dominican’s would roast a pig, and it left me flabbergasted. The pig was pretty much impaled through its mouth, and it looked rotisserie style. 

Growing up, we would also roast a pig in the backyard during Noche Buena like so many other families did throughout South Florida and the Caribbean. I have a love-hate relationship with pork as I do with cigar smoke. However, there’s just something special of sharing a big meal that takes all day to prepare.    - Kiki Valdes 
“Pig Roast” 
Oil on canvas 
52 inches by 42 inches  /2026
This is the sketch  from January 2026 that inspired the painting "Pig Roast" 
 working in the studio. 
My wife stopping by to see the progress. 
I wanted to see what the completed painting looked like outside...in 100 degree weather. It was hot!