GiA's Online Gallery

The mud reminds us that growth is messy and uncomfortable, but it’s also necessary. This piece shows that clarity doesn’t come from avoiding struggle, it comes from pushing through it and believing that clearer waters are ahead.

Faith over Fear.

Let me tell you… I cried sooo hard when I finished this painting…You have the strength to rewrite your story, to walk away from what holds you back, and to step fully into your power. The moment you decide to break free, you reclaim your life.

The Hero’s Journey 2 shows that everyone is walking their own path in life. We all face different struggles, lessons, and moments of growth. When I realized this, it helped me feel more compassion and empathy for others. Instead of judging, I began to understand that people are doing the best they can with what they know. This artwork is a reminder that we are all on our own journeys, and recognizing that helps us treat each other with kindness and understanding.

Boriken I’m Home is about returning to your roots and finding your way back to yourself. It represents reconnecting with culture, identity, and inner truth. Just like coming home to a place, coming home to yourself means letting go of outside noise and remembering who you are. This piece is a reminder that no matter how far you go, home has always been within you.

Living in Bushwick as a Puerto Rican means staying rooted in culture and community. Every year, the Puerto Rican Day Parade on Knickerbocker Ave brings that pride to life…and I channel that energy into this painting. I honor my heritage, celebrate resilience, and keep our traditions alive. This piece is where Bushwick and Puerto Rico meet and it’s going to Kiosko 787.

Both journaling and art give me a safe space to explore my emotions without judgment. They help turn my pain into something beautiful and remind me of my own strength. Healing is not always easy, but expressing myself makes the journey bearable.

Even when everything feels dark, the flowers still glow. To me, they represent hope and beauty, even when things are scary or confusing. It reminds me that no matter how hard life gets, there’s always a little light that can break through.

I used to think sunflowers only followed the sun, but the idea of them blooming at night really stuck with me. It reminds me that even in the darkest times, we can still grow and shine. Just like sunflowers, I’m learning to bloom...even when there’s no light around me.

Growing up in Bushwick has shaped who I am and how I create. This neighborhood is full of art, history, and people who inspire me. My artwork is a way to celebrate where I come from. It’s more than just a place...it’s the block I was born and raised on, where I learned some of my biggest life lessons.

Lately, I’ve been learning what it really means to become me. Not the version of me stuck in old patterns or trying to make everyone else happy. I used to focus so much on the light I saw in others that I forgot I had a light too. But now, I’m starting to remember. My light was always there...I just needed to see it for myself. Every step I take, even the hard ones, is helping me grow and get closer to who I'm ment to be..

I think life is kind of like being a hero walking through a busy city. Every street and corner are full of new adventures where you have chances to grow, learn and change for the better. It’s a colorful journey, and I’m ready to keep exploring.

Sometimes I notice how life feels like it’s coming full circle. Things from the past come back around, and I see how everything is connected. It reminds me that endings can lead to new beginnings, and that helps me stay hopeful as I keep moving forward.

I’m learning that it’s okay to be vulnerable and cry sometimes. Letting my feelings out helps me heal and grow. It reminds me that showing emotions is actually a sign of strength, not weakness. Being real about how I feel helps me understand myself better, and I don’t have to be ashamed of that.

By embracing both my families Dominican and Puerto Rican roots, this artwork shows how proud I am of my culture. It reminds me to stay connected to where I come from and to keep learning about my history.

I’ve always thought butterflies are a symbol of freedom. They start out as caterpillars, stuck to the ground, and then grow wings and fly wherever they want. That’s kind of how I see my butterfly painting...it’s not perfect or realistic, and that’s the point. The bright colors and loose lines show that art, like life, doesn’t have to follow rules. Everyone can see it in their own way, just like we all find freedom in our own way.