RI Latinx Artists Network (RILAN)

In Western societies today, breastfeeding in public is often stigmatized and socially criticized. However, babies have both a physiological and emotional need to be nourished by their mother's breast. This poster conveys a message from the baby, urging us to respect the significance of this special bond. It also reminds mothers of their strength to assert this right confidently, without shame, while embracing a fulfilling life.

En este arte, Para mi versión de Si Se Puede me inspire en la vida del águila y en el proceso de renovación que esta, en un determinado tiempo decide hacer para prolongar sus años de vida.

Como ejemplo de que sí se puede cambiar y sí podemos transformarnos para vivir mejor.

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For my version of Sí Se Puede I was inspired by the life of the eagle and the process of renewal that it decides to undergo over a certain period of time to prolong its life.

As an example that we can change and we can transform ourselves to live better.

My concept of Sí Se Puede takes a feminist approach to challenge traditional gender roles and highlight the skill and determination of women in society. By representing boxing, my piece showcases that girls can not only enter male-dominated spaces but also excel in them. Focusing on a young girl with boxing gloves, I aim to tell a story that inspires and empowers other girls and women, showing them that Sí Se Puede hacer lo qua quieres.

On this canvas alive with deep purples and vibrant oranges, a figure takes shape—a warrior whose unwavering gaze confronts the world head-on.

Bold arrows pierce through her mind, pointing forward to symbolize relentless momentum and the pursuit of dreams.

Across the artwork, the words Sí Se Puede—"Yes, We Can"—stand proudly, both as a personal mantra and a collective call to action.

In these uncertain and turbulent times, this piece reminds us of the power within, serving as a beacon of resilience and a rallying cry for strength.

For my entry of Sí Se Puede artist call I was inspired by Marta Martinez and her unending resilience to uplift the Latino community. She is a woman with no borders, growing up in El Paso, Texas, of Mexican descent, guided by the unwavering presence of La Virgencita de Guadalupe. From an early age, she harbored a strong desire to explore the world and experience life beyond her roots.

I often jokingly refer to Marta as an honorary Dominican due to her deep appreciation for the culture and cuisine. She is a person who every fellow artist should get to know.

Marta has become a highly accomplished individual who has touched the lives of so many along the way. Get to know Marta Martínez—one of the most influential and important Latinas in Rhode Island, a true example of Sí Se Puede, and undoubtedly one of the most remarkable women you will ever meet and one badass "Chingona" of a woman.

La Muñeca Sin Rostro ( the faceless doll) was my inspiration to this artist call.

This doll represents the mixed blend of culture that Dominicans are, Taino, European and African roots. She was created to celebrate the beautiful blended cultures that makes us each unique and no doll is exactly like another. I identify with her, the dream of being a created and breaking boundaries from generation to generations. Si Se Puede!

My painting is a graphic design inspired piece done in spray paint on a wood panel. The symbol of death being fended off can be interpreted in many ways, but in the simplest of explanations it represents resilience, strength, endurance in the face of adversity, power, and pride in one’s self.

All of these attributes have been historically attributed to Latino culture.

Bartolomé de las Casas is not a heroic figure and should not be celebrated as one merely for showing compassion. His account of the atrocities in the colonies revealed the harsh realities of colonialism as they truly were. This painting captures his anguish as he reflects on the horrors he witnessed. De las Casas was not a hero but a man who chose to document the truth, ensuring that history would remember it.

To me, he is an example of Sí Se Puede — when you see something that is not right, you can speak out despite the consequences.