Isla del Encanto

Year: 2024

Medium: Canvas, Van Dyke Brown, Himi Gouache paint, acrylic pens

Artist Statement:

Isla del Encanto is a piece that discusses topics that are prevalent in almost all areas of the world. As a Puerto Rican American, I have had encounters with people that know little or nothing about Puerto Rico. When thinking about growing up within the states and their education system, the fact that Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory is often overlooked. My work explores gentrification, femicide, and natural disasters that affect the small island expressed in the style of the Puerto Rican flag. I experimented with the salt alternative process and collaging to allow viewers to see that these topics are not something new.

The people of Puerto Rico are strong, resilient, and connected. Even through struggles, we strive to overcome obstacles, oppose injustices, and help each other when we need it. The first canvas panel of the piece presents the issue of gentrification. In 2019, after the devastating events of Hurricane Maria and the economy of the island tanking, the governor of Puerto Rico passed Act 60. This act gives significant tax breaks and provides incentives for wealthy outsiders to move into the island. However, this didn’t apply to middle-class and lower-class Puerto Ricans who have lived their entire lives on the island. Citizens find that some of the people moving to the island have a sense of entitlement when it comes to certain things. In response, people protested with signs saying, ‘Gringo go home’ and ‘Puerto Rico is for the Puerto Ricans’.

The second canvas panels of the reported rising issue of femicide on the island. Machismo is referred to as one the reasons for femicide, men demonstrating intimidation and strength. From 2016 and onwards, the number of female deaths has increased. Families of victims have gathered support around the island and protests to raise awareness of the ongoing issue. Signs saying ‘If one person is affected then it has affected all of us’ and ‘not one more’ are some of the ways people are expressing their frustration and anger at this situation.

The last canvas panel of this piece displays the destruction of the island after hurricane Maria. The island sits on the equator and is very often hit with rain storms and hurricanes during the right season. The devastation of such a natural disaster leaves families without houses, water, light, and low supply of food. After Maria the matter of rebuilding and supplying aid to Puerto Rico was brought up in the U.S. government. Although we are not a state, the island does receive funds for events such as a natural disaster. Many citizens of the island questioned Puerto Rican officials on where the supplies and money went when it was needed at the time. When it was found that a certain Puerto Rican representative was hoarding food and water as well as making remarks about low-income individuals, protests sparked overnight.