As an immigrant, I developed an ungrounded sense of home. While my perception of intimacy was rooted in my sense of community, a shift began with the realization that life could be ruthlessly uprooted from its place of origin. Detachment prevailed as I grew wary of being vulnerable. Motivated by fictional love stories -selling the money-hungry American dream- Love and Intimacy became concepts I would only inquire about in romantic connections. As I began to settle into a new community at University the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Throughout a time of my life meant for self-expansion I felt alienated. An earth-shattering breakup later, I fell back on my community for support. Reclaiming, by reopening to my roots, the meaning of love beyond romance, and the joy in vulnerability.
Taste at The Same Time reveals how Love and Intimacy are expressed beyond the limitations of Western standards of connection. Through abstract painting, draping, and the creation of sound escapes I utilize my perspective- as a queer Cuban immigrant living in the United States- to convey instances of intimacy within one’s community. These multimedia portraits push the boundaries of what vulnerability looks like by homing in on the sensorial aspects of love.
