Diasporican: MFA Thesis - Sculpture

Abstract

I make Vejigantes, a type of traditional Puerto Rican mask typically made from the outer husks of coconuts. Their devilish visages, horrific amalgams of horns and fangs covered in colors and patterns, were meant by colonists and religious fanatics to strike fear into the Puerto Rican community. Once a symbol of religious oppression and fear, Vejigantes are now a symbol of perseverance and celebration in the Puerto Rican community. Working with archival resins and plastic forming, I create contemporary Vejigantes that represent Puerto Ricans’ resilience in the face of disaster, neo-colonial forces, and corporate beasts. My sculptures personify hardships being overcome, transformed from tools of religious extremism and fear into celebratory heritage objects.