Dámelotuyo (Give Me What’s Yours): Reclaim Our Stories. Rewrite the Future.

May 9

At a time when the fabric of our rights and histories is being tested, I turned to my studio for introspection. To gain clarity, I ask myself: what do I hold onto, and what must I let go? Dámelotuyo (Give Me What’s Yours) has been my response. I started this series in 2020 and its narratives are woven together to reclaim a historical legacy, challenge colonial systems, and celebrating the empowerment of women who have been brave enough to resist, survive, and dare to inspire hope.
Dámelotuyo was born out of a need to address the subtle ways colonial narratives continue to shape our lives, centuries later. This work aims to reframe, reclaim, and invite viewers to reconsider what power, beauty, and lineage look like when seen through the lens of “the other’s” perspective.
Every piece includes gold leaf (considered to be one of the most precious metals in the world, indicating precedence, progression, and ascendancy), a venation pattern—usually with flowers—(suggesting fertility, hope, growth, death, and rebirth), and the color red (which has traditionally been associated with sacrifice, danger, and courage).
The hand-crafted, rustic, black frames mimic a New England colonial style, (influenced by the English, Dutch, and French settlers of the 1600s and 1700s), that is designed to forge an organic connection with a sense of a lineage or legacy left behind which reinforces some of the series’ themes. This natural and raw material was incorporated into these paintings to echo the functionality and simplicity found in New England’s traditional homes and timeless furnishings. I aim to use these visual narratives that are associated with historical elements from our past in hopes that the audience might consider the following notions: 1. What does it mean to reclaim our history considering how essential the representation of women is? 2. How can we amplify a range of perspectives and intentions through personal narrative?
Through this body of work, I aim to bridge traditional craftsmanship with contemporary storytelling. I seek to inspire and empower individuals of all backgrounds to challenge and break down divisive long-standing power structures designed to suppress and control.
This series is now showing throughout New England. You can find more information on my projects page.