I am a first-generation Puerto Rican migrant living in Arkansas, and English is my second language. My mother brought me and my two sisters to El Dorado, Arkansas in 1983 to give us opportunities we would not have had access to in rural Puerto Rico. I am a mother, entrepreneur, and a proud Hispanic woman.
For this exhibition, I asked all my models to bring one item they felt represented who they are. As I looked inward and explored what I would use in this self-portrait, I immediately thought of the United States flag. It represents pride, freedom, dignity and, at times, reminds us of sorrow. As a Puerto Rican and a United States citizen, this flag has given me shelter, protection, and comfort during hard times so wrapping myself with the flag felt like a warm blanket. The pose portrays my empathy and reflects the pride I have for all the opportunities this country has given my family.
For this exhibition, I asked all my models to bring one item they felt represented who they are. As I looked inward and explored what I would use in this self-portrait, I immediately thought of the United States flag. It represents pride, freedom, dignity and, at times, reminds us of sorrow. As a Puerto Rican and a United States citizen, this flag has given me shelter, protection, and comfort during hard times so wrapping myself with the flag felt like a warm blanket. The pose portrays my empathy and reflects the pride I have for all the opportunities this country has given my family.