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Current Show: Puerto Rico at La Fonda, NYC
It is an absolute honor to share my work within the walls of La Fonda, a restaurant that stands as a proud celebration of Puerto Rican culture, just as I do as a Boricua. To have this opportunity in a space that feels like home—filled with sabor, resilience, and history—means the world to me.
The images I chose for this exhibition reflect the many sides of Puerto Rico, beyond the surface. From the vibrant pastel facades of Old San Juan to the powerful presence of the Puerto Rican flag flown with pride, these photos capture what most visitors come to see. But as you move closer, as the images get smaller and more intimate, you are invited deeper into the island’s heartbeat—into the stories often overlooked.
Puerto Rico is more than its tourism. It's the spirit of its people—the ones who live, work, and rebuild the island time and time again after every storm. It’s the community that makes Puerto Rico what it truly is, from the tireless workers to the quiet resilience found in the corners tourists often miss. Even the cats by El Morro, beloved by some, are caught between being a photo op and living beings cared for by organizations like Save The Gatos.
My intention is to show that Puerto Rico is more than salsa music and piña coladas. It is layered, complex, and alive with stories of struggle, strength, and beauty. I hope the patrons of La Fonda can feel that truth in these images, and connect more deeply with the island we call home.
A vivid green palm leaf stretches against a bold blue sky, its prongs resembling a spine—symbolic of the backbone of Puerto Rico itself. Palm trees are ever-present on the island, standing tall through storms and sunshine, much like the people who call this place home. For me, they are a reminder of the warmth, beaches, and resilience that define the island’s spirit.
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Boats rest at a quiet dock beneath a sky filled with soft, cloud-like pillows, set against the endless blue of the Caribbean. In Puerto Rico, scenes like this are more than just serene—they reflect the essential role fishing plays in sustaining life for many on the island. This image is a peaceful glimpse into the deep connection between the people and the sea that surrounds them.
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This image looks up at a garita (guard tower) on El Morro, once used to watch for enemy ships and looming storms from the sea. On this particular day, dark clouds gather as Hurricane Irma approaches, echoing the tower’s historic role as a silent sentinel. The garita stands as a powerful reminder of Puerto Rico’s centuries of defense, endurance, and constant relationship with the ocean’s shifting moods.
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A Puerto Rican flag waves proudly at sunset, its edges frayed and the pole rusted from years of saltwater and wind. I love this image because it captures the essence of the island’s endurance—weathered, yet still standing strong and full of pride. The flag, like Puerto Rico itself, bears the marks of time but continues to fly.
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As the sun sets behind the pastel houses of Old San Juan, their colors deepen and glow with even more richness. Walking through the old city feels endless—you can wander for days, discovering streets lined with unique architecture and an ever-changing palette of hues. Every corner reveals a new perspective on the charm that make this place so captivating.
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A mother gently braids her daughter’s hair on their balcony in Cabo Rojo, bathed in the soft glow of a sunset just before Hurricane Irma arrived. The calm and tenderness of this moment stands in contrast to the destruction that followed, as this home was later wiped away by the storm. In Puerto Rico, scenes like this carry the weight of resilience, where beauty and loss often coexist.
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This close-up captures the iconic pastel houses of Old San Juan, a colorful and historic backdrop beloved by visitors from around the world. These buildings, with their soft hues and timeless charm, have been carefully preserved for centuries. They stand as a testament to Puerto Rico’s rich history, blending colonial architecture with the vibrant essence of the island.
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A man works to restore a home in Old San Juan, as beams of sunlight break through and illuminate the building he’s bringing back to life. This image reflects the dedication and pride of the people who work tirelessly to preserve the beauty of the city. While tourists often admire the colorful facades and cobblestone streets, it’s the unseen labor and commitment of the locals that keep Old San Juan vibrant and thriving.
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A stray cat rests on a weathered grey rock, framed by the lush greenery near El Morro. While these cats have become a familiar sight in the historic city, their presence speaks to a deeper issue of overpopulation and neglect. A portion of the proceeds from this piece will support Save A Gato (SAG), a non-profit working tirelessly to care for and protect Old San Juan’s homeless and abused feline community.
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