JUNTOS FLORECEMOS/ TOGETHER WE BLOOM

In April 2022, I conducted interviews with community members living in the Cully neighborhood in Portland, Oregon. Their stories are the inspiration for my new mural, “Together We Bloom” (Juntos Florecemos). I created my 40’ tall mural located on Las Adelitas, one of the largest housing developments for low-income (mostly immigrant) families in Portland created by Hacienda CDC. After working grueling 12-hour days and navigating the MANY obstacles presented on the live construction site, I was able to complete my mural with the help of my amazing assistant and local artist Oliver CASILLAS. I organized a gathering with the community members that are portrayed in the mural and was able to witness their impressions of seeing themselves being honored in the work. This was my first large-scale mural since the pandemic started. Creating murals of this scale requires rigor, not just physical but mental as well. I leave content with offering this gift to the people of Cully and especially to the women that make things happen even when the odds are against us.

Featured Cully residents: Olga Tunay, Wendi Yah Canul, Carrie Robersone, Elizabeth De Jesus, and Lizet Molina

Photographer: Mariana Fernandez Project

supported by: Hacienda CDC, Portland Street Art Alliance, Regional Arts & Culture Council