Flowers For Anacaona

Inspired by Anacaona, the Taíno leader whose name means "Golden Flower," this project seeks to honor resilience, love, and cultural memory.

“As soon as he stepped out, he’d run his errands or go to work, and then come back home to give your grandmother a flower.” This story was told multiple times when I was visiting my family in the Dominican Republic. My maternal grandfather used the powers of the flower to keep the love and connection with my grandmother. I reflect back on the strong energy that a flower holds. I think about the act of flower giving. I think about the draw that flowers have. Flowers continue to connect and stay connected to certain love bonds from family, friends, and community. This project is dedicated to the golden flower, Anacaona. Who, with resilience, tried to keep the Quisqueya island united and at peace despite the negative powers that were against it.