Cultura Vida

My work is inspired by my Puerto Rican roots and my last trip to Old San Juan. Born and raised in New York, I have always felt a strong connection to Puerto Rico, where my family is from. I carry the traditions with me through language, food, and art.

The self-portrait, titled Boricua, is a celebration of identity, an affirmation of where I come from and the pride I hold in my culture. The other pieces reference iconic imagery of Old San Juan: its colorful architecture, historic doorways, and the watchtower of El Morro. I approached these scenes like a scrapbook or a collection of postcards, each one holding a fragment of a memory from my visit.

Watercolor and pastel pencil felt like the right media for this series because of their fluidity, texture, and ability to capture both vibrancy and nostalgia. The addition of gold leaf throughout the work symbolizes the richness of the island, its resilience and enduring beauty.

Through this series, I hope to honor Puerto Rico’s spirit while reflecting on the ways heritage travels with us, shaping our identities no matter where we live.