As a Black-Panamanian I have spiritual connection to gold that traces back culturally to the early 1900s. The US government implemented a system in the Panama Canal Zone during the construction of the canal that drew a clear line between white and Black laborers. Precious metals indicated a difference in social status. We as Black-Panamanians grew up with an understanding of what gold signified. This spiritual connection migrated with us to the United States. I was given my first gold adornment, a gold baby bracelet with carved black-fist-bead and my name, on the day I was born. A gift from mi abuelita, that was made in Panama, to protect and remind me of my value as a living diosa.
7-Day Candle (Botanica Dulces Series), 2023, mixed media sculpture 9 in x 4.5 in x 5 in
Panama Gold (Botanica Dulces Series), 2023, mixed media sculpture 9 in x 4.5 in x 5 in
Forest Floor (Botanica Dulces Series), 2023, mixed media sculpture 11 in x 6 in x 6.5 in
Universal Cleanser (Botanica Dulces Series), 2023, mixed media sculpture 11 in x 6 in x 6.5 in
Agua de Florida (Botanica Dulces Series), 2023, mixed media sculpture 11 in x 6 in x 6.5 in
Spiritual Bath (Botanica Dulces Series), 2023, mixed media sculpture 11 in x 6 in x 6.5 in
BODEGA BODY, 2022-Ongoing
As a Black woman, my body became a container for trauma. I am often asked to hold space — both for my own agonies and those experienced by people in my community. I am healing traumas housed in my body through water-based rituals in nature. BODEGA BODY is a series documenting my healing-based performances in public space. These multimedia studies will inform large-scale artworks from the BODEGA BODY series.
I am sculpting headdresses from dried flowers, preserved grasses, and crystal prisms. This body of work is inspired by Fiesta de Carnaval (Carnival) y Samba Queen adornments. I listen to samba, soca, salsa, bachata, merengue, cumbia, congo de Panama . I take breaks to dance and meditate. I wear a color that calls in the energy of the woman in mi familia the piece is inspired by. This red headdress is the essence of mi mama, Damariz Zuelieka.
