Watercolor, colored pencil, acrylic paint, collage on paper

This portrait came from a deep place in my heart. I wanted touch on my identity as a Puerto Rican artist. I've always felt disconnected with my culture, even as a fully Puerto Rican person with Spanish-speaking parents. I always say I grew up around my culture, but not fully in it. I wasn't taught to speak Spanish growing up, which even furthered that disconnection. I've been told multiple times that I shouldn't even call myself Puerto Rican, even if I've always been proud of that fact. It's caused a lot of mixed feelings inside me, and I feel so far away from the beautiful culture that I love. I highlighted that disconnection with the star necklace I wear around my neck, and the outline in the flag behind me. The collage background represents my intersectionality, the many facets that make me.