Featuring Barrio Borikén’s Prominent Artists Brenda Torres Figueroa And Cristian Roldán
By Joel Ortiz
Brenda Torres Figueroa and Christian Roldán are both premiering two works of arts in partnership with Tiznando el País, an organization dedicated to working against anti-blackness in Puerto Rico through art and education.
Torres Figueroa will be debuting her piece “Quimeras” which will be painted self portraits on mirrors all within a frame that is decorated in the style of a map. The design is meant to invoke the experience of looking into a mirror at yourself.
This is her first time painting on mirrors relying on traditional techniques. Ornate frames being made that are baroque; However these will be made with maps and distinct patterns all over. The idea is to give direction to the person who looks into the mirror. Torres Figueroa adds that she likes to include codes in her work. Including recognizable imagery as well as aspects from Africa. The aim is to take elements of “traditional” European style frames and embody them with pieces that are uniquely African.
Originally from Santurce, PR. Torres Figueroa has used art to explore healing and being combative to oppressive systems. Her work is uniquely personal in how it blends her experiences and allows her a platform to be overtly political and intimately reflective at the same time.
When asked about her work with Tiznando el País and the PRCC, she says, “It helped validate that need of being an independent critical thinker and being able to develop my own ideas as an artist.”
Christian Roldán will be leading a restoration of the corner murals that he initially painted a few years ago. The aim of his work is to preserve the artistic integrity of Division street. For Roldán, his art is centered around taking and claiming space.
Both Roldán and Torres Figueroa believe that the history of colonization in Puerto Rico is integral to reclaiming and occupying space that is so often taken from the Puerto Rican people. Torres Figueroa speaks of the memories she has of seeing the military bases in Puerto Rico. For Roldán, he wants to take space and mark it as being purposefully by and for the people who live in this neighborhood. Moving to the United States from Puerto Rico, Roldán came across a massive culture shock that was difficult for him to get used to.
Whether it was during his studies or at his home in Chicago, he experienced firsthand the hardship that comes with such a move.
For him, Paseo Boricua shines as a beacon of familiarity. Although not exactly like Puerto Rico, he sees the space as being one that is so familiar for him. One that is worth protecting and celebrating.
Both pieces will have a public exhibition during this year’s Fiesta Boricua on August 31 and September 1. This year is dedicated to the art, legacy and impact of Afro-Boricuas.
