Last Known Alive

Understudy Denver

March 2020

The duality of my culture lies in 500 years of power struggle. Autochthonous peoples overtaken by heterochthonous; those who wish to economically exploit the lands and resources of North and Central America. In modern times, this process still continues and is rife within our political, financial, and industrial systems: the ruling elite, unelected fiscal boards, money laundering, anti-black sentiments, redlining, and unaddressed climate disasters are just a few of the continuing devices of oppression. With this exhibition I dutifully unpack how these huge and unending mechanisms have not succeeded in erasing my indigenous history, but have instead redefined how marginalized communities continue to honor and preserve their heritage.

This exhibition is dedicated to the diaspora goddesses; unsung heroes of an island dusted in gold. Beautiful brown bodies. Family stretched far across waters. To the activists with guillotines, to the Boricuas on the frontlines, to earthquake survivors. I send you the strength of our foremothers.