My art combines Puerto Rican folkloric imagery with fantastical situations, exploring themes of self-esteem, relationships and social dynamics. Human subjects in my paintings are often masked, to emphasize the duality of being. The Mask of the Vejigante, a traditional “carnaval” mask from my hometown of Ponce, is a recurring motif in my work. Visually striking with its demonic sculpt yet covered in bright and happy colors, conceptually it represents for me many of life’s opposing forces, contrasts and contradictions. My subjects frequently struggle against themselves or each other, taking their place in the passionate and complex nature of the human experience.
As a child growing up in 1970's Puerto Rico, the palette of my life consisted of vibrant colors, lush plants, and rich cultural heritage. My whole world was nurtured by my mother's love for art and music, which laid the foundation for my bold and graphic artistic style. My work draws much inspiration from vintage illustration and folk art, creating a unique visual language with which to celebrate my Puerto Rican roots.
A sense of nostalgia and longing permeates my work, romanticizing the distant memories of my homeland. This yearning fuels my fascination with mystery, an element I consider essential in all romantic endeavors, be it a song, poem, or painting. By invoking the supernatural, I aim to imbue my subjects with magic and resilience. Powerful yet vulnerable, joyful yet melancholic, hopeful yet resigned, their duplexity is often embodied by the enigmatic disguise of the Vejigante mask.
I want to create captivating works that entice and perpetuate the magic and mystery of Latino culture, inviting the viewer to walk through the veil of a foreign culture and relate on an emotional level.