Skip to Content
A crocheted mochila (bag) with a white crocheted strap displayed hanging on a white background. The bag patterns uses double crochet from orange, burnt orange with tinsel, a streak of dark brown, and white block crochet at the bottom. Through the white block crochet is two synthetic wigs, on the right it's black curly hair and on the left is blonde curly hair and braids. Attached to the bag is a light pink hair clip. On the side of the blonde curls, a comb is stuck into the bag. On the side of the black curls, a brush is hanging off the hair.

chains & linkes.

Naomi Rodriguez

Multimedia Scultpture / Crocheted Mochila with Synthetic Hair and Found Objects

Undergraduate
this project is a culmination of understanding who and what stories my work will tell. i was inspired by the indigenous peoples in La Guajira, Colombia who crochet these iconic mochilas that you will see on almost every street vendors in Colombia. i was found that working with textiles like crochet and weaving, it reminds me of the time and care it takes for textured hair and for you to feel good. i ended up learning how to protect my hair and care for it through years of watching youtube tutorials and mimicking pinterest haircuts. now, i am able to help my mother take care of her hair at night and the best ways to keep our curls looking good for us to feel confident and beautiful. with this piece, i am remembering my time in Colombia; speaking to my mother on how she grew up and what she went through while reminding each other how beautiful we are with our brown skin and coils.