A mini art experience of stepping into a Caribbean American bodega where the café is waiting and the bread is always caliente. The clerk knows everyone’s name, and salsa beats set the scene. A representation of the diaspora of the Caribbean American experience, famously known in New York City, but spanning to the tropical communities of South Florida. The comforts that feel like home for those born into the culture, yet it opens its doors to anyone who walks in. And for those born in the USA, the closest glimpse of a home they only know through stories shared by the elders, who are regulars and gather around each day. While some may never have experienced the cool breeze of “la isla” in real life, the bodega is the portal that allows them to deeply feel in their blood and soul.

The Art Bodegita features digital illustrations of common items found at Bodegas and printed on cardstock. The vision for the art bodegita is to allow everyone to experience a small part of my culture and art in an accessible manner. This interactive art installation is a piece of a much larger collection that I am working on.

Introducing