Bio

Artist Statement

My work is a series of autobiographical narratives put together like a puzzle from a set of chosen symbols. Most of these elements stem from past memories growing up in the Dominican Republic that had a significant impact in my life, while others are still present in my everyday life.

As an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, my recent work delves into power dynamics symbolized in the Dominican Carnaval. It draws parallels between the historical context of the Carnaval and my lived experiences, constructing a surreal narrative where my heritage engages in a meaningful dialogue with my current life. The work aims to raise awareness of challenges such as the language barrier, prejudice, and the process of cultural and social assimilation.Focusing on the themes of duality and biculturalism, I explore the constant oscillation between not feeling entirely American nor Dominican, yet embodying aspects of both.

Beyond the vibrancy of theatrical performances, characters like The Devil in all its iterations, and the aesthetic of the Carnaval that embraces bright colors, repetition, and maximalist adornment, what captivates me most is the temporary dismantling of social hierarchies within this cultural celebration. Through extensive research, I rediscover the historical and cultural significance of these elements. My own persona, portrayed through self-portraits, becomes a means to document and retell aspects of the Dominican Republic's cultural and political history, often misrepresented through the lens of colonized minds.