Curls En Flor
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“She urged viewers to disregard their gender, race or other defining societal factors and instead connect with the humanity they share with others.”
“If not naturally fearless,” Mendieta “used fear well, transmuting a profound sense of psychological and cultural displacement into an experience of merging with the natural world and its history through art.”
“It is a way of reclaiming my roots and becoming one with nature.”
Growing up, my hair was a challenge— thick, curly and unmanageable. It stood out with its volume and dramatic shrinkage, a stark contrast to the effortlessly long, straight locks I admired on other girls. Managing it seemed impossible, often resorting to the simplicity of a bun to avoid the struggle. In pursuit of that straight-haired ideal, I even turned to chemical relaxers, which only harmed my curls further. But with time, I’ve begun to see my hair as a defining feature of my identity. As I’ve matured, I’ve come to realize that my hair is a vibrant echo of my Latina heritage. Embracing my curls means embracing my culture, and with that, I’ve found a deep sense of pride. My hair mirrors the strength and beauty of my identity. I’m learning to embrace my unique curls and the bold statement they make. They’re not just a part of me; they’re a testament to my journey towards self-acceptance and embracing the beauty in what makes me different. In my photo series “Curls En Flor” I started with my hair flat and covering my face to represent a hidden identity. As the series progresses my hair gets bigger and the flowers placed in my hair are to represent the blossoming of my curls as well as the intertwining of nature. I was inspired by Ana Mendieta “Silueta Series” as her work was a powerful statement of returning to her roots, both culturally and physically. Embracing my curls is akin to embracing the natural world, much like Mendieta embraced the earth in her pieces. Just as nature is unapologetically itself, so too are my curls a bold affirmation of my Latina identity, untamed and beautiful in their natural state. This brings together the themes of self-identity, cultural heritage and the intrinsic connection we all share to the natural world.
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