EXIT
This artwork marks a pivotal moment in my artistic journey, standing as one of the most significant pieces within the Transitional Cartography series. It emerged during a period of reflection on my decision to migrate to the United States, seeking better opportunities amidst the financial and corruption turmoil in Puerto Rico. As I navigated this transition, I couldn't help but notice parallels between my journey and the forced displacement experienced by many Puerto Ricans—a quest for liberation overshadowed by the enduring legacy of colonialism. In many ways, this transition becomes a part of a quest for a sense of liberation that seems false.
Contemplating this notion of false liberation led me to recall a creative practice instructed to inmates in Puerto Rico during the 80s and 90s. They would nail a board with the map of Puerto Rico and then trace strings across its landscape—a symbolic act of defining geography while being incarcerated and geographically impaired. This exercise resonated deeply with my own experience of geographical transition to the United States.
The map depicted in my artwork is inspired by a gift from a relative who was incarcerated and given to my father.
La Bóveda
La Bóveda emerged as I challenged myself to create artwork that transcended mere visual representation, aiming instead to craft immersive environments that provoke dialogue and engagement. It marked my initial foray into a practice centered around ritual, one that speaks to the collective experiences of us Puerto Ricans.
Simultaneously, La Bóveda serves as a commentary on the insidious impact of colonialism and corruption on people's lives, particularly through the lens of displacement. Inspired by the historical context of Miguel de la Torre's colonial politics in the early 19th century, the piece reinterprets the concept of "dance, drink, and dice"—a strategy employed to distract and pacify the populace, preventing revolutionary thought.
In this rendition, the game board, reminiscent of domino tables, becomes a symbolic battleground reflecting the forced migration experienced by many Puerto Ricans, notably during one of the largest waves of migration to the United States. Players navigate through various challenges—police brutality, drug use, accidents, climate change, gentrification—each represented as game stops. However, while some may reach the metaphorical "Airport" and emerge victorious, others find themselves perpetually trapped at a single game stop, symbolizing the harsh reality faced by immigrants (from and coming to the Caribbean), who never escape the cycle of adversity.