About the Art
Bori's Art
While incarcerated, art became a lifeline—a pathway to rediscover my humanity. It allowed me to escape the everyday stress of prison, explore fantasies, and reconnect with the curious child within me. Through art, I delved deep into my subconscious, immortalized people and memories that mattered to me, and created a sanctuary of joy and reflection for myself and others. Today, as a free person, art has become my voice—a way to share my story, connect with people, and advocate for change. I use my work to draw attention to the mental health and mass incarceration crises that plague our country and challenge societal perceptions of justice and humanity.
When I started creating art, I aimed to depict treasured childhood moments with my mother in the Puerto Rican countryside.
As time passed, my art evolved to address the struggles faced by the women in my family within a patriarchal culture and religious confines.
I began portraying female figures as sturdy trees, lively flowers, and majestic mountains, representing beauty, strength, and resilience.
Vibrant colors became pivotal in my art, inviting viewers to engage with my vision of the strength and elegance that characterize the female experience. This vision was driven by my aspirations for my mother.
Art means so much more than self-expression; it is a means of connection, a way to reach people from different walks of life, and a platform to raise awareness of pressing social issues. My work challenges society’s patriarchal lens of domination over women and marginalized people while shedding light on the injustices of mass incarceration. Using a palette of vivid colors and surreal imagery, I protest the harsh realities of a male-dominated world and celebrate the resilience and beauty of those who thrive despite it.
At the same time, art allows me to tap into long-suppressed emotions and imagine love, intimacy, and connection. In one piece, a hummingbird pollinates a flower, embodying tenderness; in another, freshwater cascades to nourish the roots of a tree, representing renewal. These moments reflect the emotional dance of life, celebrating its many challenges and gifts through color and shape symbolism.
Now that I am home, I look forward to joining an art community where I can exchange ideas, receive critiques, and explore new mediums. I have also begun videotaping while creating art—a practice that allows me to witness my transformation and see my growth from a new perspective. Art is my sanctuary, voice, and bridge to the world. Through it, I aim to inspire joy, reflection, and a deeper understanding of the human condition.