Y mira que es difícil sentir frío en Miami

This is a visual diary from before, during, and after the pandemic. The piece is about the nostalgia of Miami and documenting moments that represent a feeling of home. I reflect on the perspective of revisiting my upbringing, especially through my niece who will be the only person in my life whose childhood will be as close to mine. I connect signature locations in Miami that encompass my childhood. The title “y mira que es difícil sentir frío en Miami” translates to “and see how difficult it is to feel cold in Miami”, referring to the never ending warmth of Miami weather and the feeling that family creates.

This was supposed to be a completely different exhibition. I graduated in the year 2020. I had been working on my thesis for about three years and finally it was going to be the year that it was presented. All the interviews, late night video editing, and countless of experiences that came with my research felt like it was about to pay off. Then the pandemic hit and basically everything felt like it was for nothing.

And then I was alone, very alone in New York with nothing but zoom to keep me company. I did virtual pilates, yoga, and belly dancing to move my body. But that year I felt disconnected from the world and from my own body. I went home to Miami with caution to flee the winter. And going home after being by myself for so long felt like some twilight zone mirage. I felt like a kid but I also felt like I found sanctuary in the palm trees swaying the yard, my niece, the family dog, my mom’s cooking, walks through my neighborhood, and just moments of feeling some kind of peace for the first time since March. The sadness never left but storm had calmed and it felt like my body had grown new limbs.

After January I was back in New York and the school had decided to open the exhibition we never had. I decided to pull out my original project because my priorities had changed and I had become more introspective on my own life.

So this is it.