Exhibition

MA Curatorial Practice and CP Projects Space present “Hijos del Cañaveral,” curated by MA Curatorial Practice student Gabriela Valentín.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico faced profound challenges that only underscored its colonial past and contemporary socio-political landscape. The island, known for its lush landscapes and vibrant communities, has weathered the storms of time, none more profound than the aftermath.

With a window into the island’s untold stories, these are the silent narrators of the island’s journey, works that blend the echoes of history’s past with contemporary struggles. As you wander through, unfold a new world of only 100 x 35 filled with resilience, cultural heritage and the challenges faced today, often obscured by the shadows of American supremacy. It is navigating the complexities of everyday life, crafting a visual rebellion against the colonial grip that persists. Explore the complex layers that shaped the Boricua identity, an homage to those persisting in the artistic resistance against the prevailing winds of history.

The featured artists, leaders in their own right, illuminate their narrative. Sofia Maldonado’s gem, FemTrap (2018), is a discerning discourse on gender dynamics within the Reggaeton genre, provocatively fueling discussions on cultural empowerment. Esteban Morales Neris’s Amuletos (Amulets) [2023] is a veritable tome capturing political resistance, symbolized by the machete—an indomitable emblem etched in the chronicles of Puerto Rico’s historical struggles. Liam Cotti’s If I Must Die, You Must Live to Tell My Story (2023) introduces a contemporary resonance, narrating the odyssey of Puerto Ricans fleeing economic tribulations. Taller La Ofensiva’s curated ensemble, including Don’t Discover Puerto Rico (2023), Echale Fli A Los Gringos (2023) and Welcome to the Calentón (2023), offers a better understanding of the grassroots movements shaping Puerto Rico's narrative. Larissa De Jesus Negrón, with a piece from her works from La Canción Verde (2023), masterfully weaves a narrative of surrender and lost hopes, all while steadfastly preserving cultural integrity.

“Hijos del Cañaveral” transcends the mere realm of the exhibition—it stands as an intellectual piece de resistance, gesturing discerning patrons to witness and deeply comprehend the intricate nuances defining Puerto Rican identity.