Para Carmen María Colón, from "Guariquen: Images and Words Rican/Structured"

Sánchez’s mother appears frequently in his work. Here, she is shown in a photograph such as one that might be found in a scrapbook; to the right is a drawing by her and an image of a botánica doll similar to those she made. Sánchez writes a tribute to his mother below, describing the difficulties she encountered in Brooklyn after immigrating from Puerto Rico as a result of economic, racial, and cultural oppression. He also describes her strength and the comfort she provided him when he was young. In addition to symbolizing his love, the red heart in the center evokes childhood drawings, while a devotional card with the Madonna and child testifies to both his mother’s Catholic faith and profound maternal affection.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Para Carmen María Colón, from "Guariquen: Images and Words Rican/Structured"
  • Series/Portfolio: Guariquen: Images and Words Rican/Structed
  • Artist: Juan Sanchez (American, born Brooklyn, New York, 1954)
  • Printer: Robert Blackburn Printmaking Workshop
  • Publisher: Exit Art/The First World
  • Date: 1986
  • Medium: Hand-colored lithograph with collage
  • Dimensions: Sheet: 22 3/16 × 29 15/16 in. (56.3 × 76 cm)
  • Classifications: Prints, Portfolios
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Allade, Inc. and Rosoff Foundation Gifts, 1987
  • Object Number: 1987.204d
  • Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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