Mask Artist Painter - Boruca, Costa Rica
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/lucuma/image/upload/v1669404320/artists/Boruca/Domingo-Rojas-7.jpg)
“I feel a connection with the shark, since it is an animal that is always active and likes to have a target. When it sets its mind to it, it chases its goals!”
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/lucuma/image/upload/v1639437596/artists/Boruca/Domingo-Rojas-5.jpg)
In 1998, at 16 years old, Domingo began painting masks following the footsteps of his older brothers Marcos and Francisco.
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/lucuma/image/upload/v1639075496/artists/Boruca/Domingo-Rojas-2.jpg)
“I put my heart and soul into each detail, which is why it takes me two to three days to complete a mask. Often, I wander up the mountains to find inspiration.”
Domingo's work has a distinctive and uplifting boldness, and he enjoys painting realistic backgrounds. "Every year my art is a little different. If I was painting with darker colors before, now I am using more striking and lighter colors to achieve a more realistic finish.”
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/lucuma/image/upload/v1669404320/artists/Boruca/Domingo-Rojas-6.jpg)
Lately, he has been seeking to incorporate into his masks also historical symbols from designs of petroglyphs found near their village. Those cultural elements are adding a new dimension and depth to his work.
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/lucuma/image/upload/v1639075496/artists/Boruca/Domingo-Rojas-3.jpg)
Domingo has just finished his degree in education with a specialization in virtual classrooms and metaverse. He plans to teach while continuing his English degree.
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/lucuma/image/upload/v1639075496/artists/Boruca/Domingo-Rojas-1.jpg)
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/lucuma/image/upload/c_scale,q_auto:best,w_912/v1547142180/blog/boruca%20bios/domingo-bio-top.jpg)