A Closer Look : Gallery
“Irene” (2025)
20 x 30 |Acrylic, Oil & Gold Leaf on Canvas
This painting is a tribute to my grandmother, whose presence continues to guide me long after her passing. The hummingbird—Panama’s national bird—appears in the piece as a spiritual messenger, symbolizing the lightness, movement, and quiet return of loved ones who still find their way back to us. Its delicate presence reflects the way her spirit feels both fleeting and constant in my life.
At the center stands a young Afro-Latina girl, representing my heritage and the women in my family, including myself. Her quiet strength and innocence embody the resilience carried by generations of Panamanian women whose stories often live subtly through us.
The background incorporates vibrant patterns inspired by mola textiles, a traditional art form of the Guna people of Panama. These patterns serve as more than decoration—they wrap the figure in culture, ancestry, and protection, echoing the way my grandmother held our family together.
Through a blend of realism and cultural abstraction, Irene becomes a meditation on lineage, memory, and the invisible threads that keep our loved ones close to us, even after they are gone.
“Sade” (2025)
24 × 36 | Acrylic, Oil & Gold Leaf on Canvas
This portrait honors the timeless elegance and quiet power of Sade, an artist whose voice and presence have shaped the emotional landscape of contemporary R&B and soul music. Known for her effortless grace and depth, Sade represents a kind of artistry that transcends trends and generations.
In this painting, I sought to capture more than her likeness—I aimed to convey the calm strength and mystique that defines her. The gold elements reflect her enduring brilliance and influence, while the composition emphasizes stillness, sophistication, and emotional depth.
Sade is a celebration of artistry, femininity, and cultural legacy, paying tribute to a musician whose work continues to inspire reflection, vulnerability, and beauty.
“Paper Boy”
24 × 36 | Oil, Acrylic, Gold Leaf & Paper on Canvas
Paper Boy is inspired by my father’s early life growing up in Brownsville, Brooklyn after his parents migrated from Panama. As a child, he learned quickly that if he wanted something, he had to go out and earn it—riding his bike through the neighborhood selling fireworks and saving his money in a shoebox. The figure in the painting sits grounded, holding money in both hands, not as a symbol of excess but as evidence of effort, survival, and persistence.
The background features mola-inspired patterns honoring his Panamanian heritage, while the concrete-like textures beneath him reference the streets of New York that helped shape his ambition. Suspended between culture and environment, Paper Boy reflects how migration, community, and early responsibility can shape identity and the spirit of hustle long before adulthood.
“Home” (2022)
24 × 36 | Oil & Acrylic on Canvas
Inspired by Michelle Obama’s words, “As an adult, I’ve lived in a number of places, but as far as I’m concerned, I’ve only ever had one real home. My home is Barack.”
This painting captures a quiet, intimate moment between Michelle and Barack Obama, reflecting the profound sense of comfort and belonging that can exist within love. Their gaze toward one another symbolizes the idea that home is not always a physical place, but the emotional refuge we find in another person.
Through this piece, I wanted to celebrate Black love as something powerful, grounding, and deeply inspiring. It highlights a partnership built on respect, admiration, and shared purpose—an image of love that continues to uplift and resonate.
“Nip” (2024)
16 × 20 | Acrylic & Oil on Canvas
This portrait honors the life and legacy of Nipsey Hussle, an artist and entrepreneur whose message extended far beyond music. Nipsey represented independence, community empowerment, and the importance of building generational wealth.
Through this painting, I wanted to capture his calm determination and visionary spirit. Nipsey stood as an example of what it means to invest in one’s community and uplift others through success and knowledge.
Though his life was cut short, his message continues to resonate deeply. Nip serves as both a tribute and a reminder of the lasting influence of those who dedicate their lives to empowering others.
“Cozy”
18 × 24 | Oil & Acrylic on Canvas, Glitter, Metallic Paint
Inspired by Beyoncé’s Renaissance era, Cozy celebrates confidence, individuality, and the power of self-acceptance. The metallic silver and black palette reflects both glamour and strength, capturing the bold energy that defines this era of her artistry.
The pose and shimmering textures emphasize presence and self-assurance, echoing the message of the song “Cozy”—a declaration of comfort in one’s identity and beauty.
For me, this piece represents the daily practice of embracing oneself fully, even in the face of insecurities. It is a visual affirmation of confidence, empowerment, and the freedom that comes from owning who you are..