YOCAHÚ 2024
Yocahù that merge from the name of Yocahú-Bagua-Maorocoti, is the Gods of fertility and creation in Taíno mythology. My research explores the indigenous Taíno people of Quesqueya (the Dominican Republic) and the shell construction of the Nautilus, inspired by its spiral formations symbolizing endless growth. The result is a new narrative that creates a creature resembling a stranded fossil. Through lines that move in repetition and resemble spikes, I see the mountains and the ocean and that’s where I go back and forth, reconnecting with my motherland, Quesquella, the ‘mother of all lands’.
I chose to place the sculpture low on this sandy base, almost as if it’s emerging from the earth or stranded here, as if it was washed up from the ocean. I wanted it to feel like you’d naturally stumble upon it as you walked in, so you’d be drawn closer, maybe even have to kneel down to really see the details. There’s something grounding about having it on the ground-it connects to themes of the earth and the sea that are so important to me. For me, this installation invites you to have a more intimate, tactile experience with the piece, almost like you’re discovering something ancient and alive.
EFIGIE 2024
Effigies are portal artefacts that help connect the human and spiritual worlds through ritual. On this journey, I have studied various effigy artefacts, each taking on different forms that resemble human body and or animals. To inspire the creation of my own. Leaning forward in a position that feels as if it is preparing to honor the gods.
The back of the sculpture mirrors the repetitive patterns of a structural shell, while the front features intricate details resembling human bones and eyes.This Efigie represents something very human. It embodies strength and connection, while also conveying a sense of vulnerability.
ARGONAUTA 2022
The Argonauta, or paper nautilus, is a unique species where only the female creates a delicate, temporary shell—not as a permanent home, but as a protective case for her eggs. This shell is produced solely for a particular stage of her life, embodying a striking example of nature’s adaptability and purpose.
I am inspired by this process, seeing it as a metaphor for transformation and fluidity, both essential elements in my work. Using 3D software, I alter the shell’s formation to explore its structure in a speculative, metaphorical way. This digital reimagining captures the impermanent yet transformative quality of the Argonauta, reflecting my own exploration of form.
ANTHOZOA: FLOWER ANIMAL 2021
Anthozoa, consists of a series of sculptures that visually represent a narrative that celebrates the perseverance of marine life under challenging circumstances. The project draws attention to the fragility of the ocean ecosystem and the urgent need for conservation. It serves as a direct call to action, conveying a message of hope and resilience.
Each sculpture represents the chemical processes that Acropora, a type of coral, undergoes to protect itself from its warming environment. The color palettes used in these sculptures symbolize these processes. This aspect of the project pays homage to the documentary “Chasing Coral,” which highlights the effects of environmental change on coral reefs.
