Saleen De La Cruz
For my final, I worked on a collaborative multi-medium (photography, film, visual art piece) project with my classmate Aaron. During our break, we returned to our hometowns, The Bronx in NYC and East Los Angeles, seeking to capture the essence of our communities. Our focus was on the vibrant Latin culture that defines these neighborhoods, including the striking murals, local businesses, and the sense of Latinidad that binds us together.
In our project, we aimed to convey the importance of cultural preservation, a theme we discussed extensively in LSP 2100. From my perspective, it became evident how vital our communities are in preserving our heritage and identity. These communities serve as protectors of our culture, keeping it alive through art, traditions, and shared experiences. This project allowed me to witness firsthand the role of culture as a unifying force, strengthening our bonds as a community. Simultaneously, we confronted the pressing issue of gentrification. Through my lens, I documented the new wave of chain businesses, the rise of modern buildings, and the influx of new residents unfamiliar with our community’s rich culture. It was a surreal experience to witness the transformation of familiar streets, once bustling with the sounds of local businesses and cultural celebrations, into unfamiliar, sanitized spaces catering to a different demographic. From my perspective, gentrification is not just about physical changes but also the displacement of long-time residents and the erasure of their stories. It raises questions about who gets to define the identity of a neighborhood and how this change impacts the sense of belonging for those who have called it home for generations.
In crafting our final art piece, which spelled out the word “Latinidad” using the vibrant images we captured, I aimed to create a visual representation of the powerful connection between our cultural heritage and the changing landscape of our neighborhoods. This project was, for me, a way to shed light on the complex interplay between identity, culture, and the forces of change in our community.I believe that art has the power to provoke thought and spark conversations. Through this project, I wanted to encourage dialogue about the challenges our community faces and the importance of preserving our cultural identity amidst the pressures of gentrification. This project allowed me to express my personal connection to Latinidad and to contribute to a larger conversation about the preservation of culture in the face of urban development.
In summary, my final project was a deeply personal journey that allowed me to explore the themes of cultural preservation and gentrification from my perspective. It reinforced my belief in the significance of our communities as stewards of culture and highlighted the need for continued conversations about the impact of gentrification on our neighborhoods. As I continue my academic journey, I hope to further explore these themes and contribute to the ongoing discourse about the importance of preserving our cultural heritage in a rapidly changing world.
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