We Are Here Because We Are Not All There
We Are All Here Because We Are Not All There | 2016
We Are All Here Because We Are Not All There is a series introducing a Three-Pointed Zemi inspired sculpture. Zemis played an important role in the culture of Tainos in the West Indies. Translated into “Sacred Things,” Zemis were rooted in ancestor worship during the Areitos ceremonies. This first group of the collective is a reflection of resilient Dominican women who have inspired the artist.
The combination of the Headdress inspired by Tainos and African slaves in the Dominican Republic and the organically hand knitted dress with European influences relates to the complexity of multicultural and multiracial history. Here the artist blends religious references from all parts of her heritage in order to form a representation of herself. This piece is described as a self-portrait.
Photo Credit Yelaine Rodriguez + Melanie Gonzalez