Artist Statement
Growing up in El Barrio/East Harlem, I was surrounded by art: my
grandmother’s bedroom bureau altar filled with Saints, religious
snow globes, and candles burning; the elaborate church street processions;
the holiday celebrations overflowing with food and decorations;
the colorful fruit and food stalls; the frilly party favors and
centerpieces; and the Stetthiemer dollhouse at the Museum of the
City of New York. Television introduced me to Carmen Miranda and
the Film Noir films. My parents’ social conscience is reflected
in my theatrical one-woman shows, which deal with the plight of
the immigrant and the struggle of women. All of these influences
are reflected in the multi-disciplinary areas of my art: collage,
sculpture, installation, photography, in situ interventions, theatrical
and video performance. Strongly influenced by Carmen Miranda a major
component of my performance attire are the mini-dollhouse-like installations
perched on my head (sculptural headpieces) which are created around
a theme, a holiday or in homage to a person or event. Wearing my
art I am a walking art piece, like a religious procession or a parade
float. Celebrating life I am an on-going interactive sculptural
performance and installation.
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