Joining the project Duna Kara Na Maria Isabel Gómez (Give a Face to Maria Isabel Gómez) is a profound honor.

As a painter, I see this as an opportunity to merge historical exploration with artistic interpretation to resurrect the image of a woman who played an indirect yet pivotal role in shaping Latin American history.

Maria Isabel Gómez, mother of Manuel Piar, lived in an era marked by colonial hierarchy, where race and social status dictated opportunity. She was described as a “mulata,” likely of African and European descent, with her mixed heritage positioning her within the complexities of colonial society. Through Manuel Piar’s European features—blonde hair, blue eyes, and fine facial structure—we can infer she may have carried both African and European traits. However, her identity and contributions were overshadowed by her son’s fame, reflecting the broader erasure of Afro-Caribbean women from historical narratives.

My vision is to humanize Maria Isabel, portraying her as a symbol of resilience and pride. By anchoring her in the vibrant cultural setting of Curaçao’s Otrobanda district, I aim to celebrate her Afro-Caribbean roots and connect her visually to the island’s rich heritage.

1.Composition: A dignified yet intimate portrayal, emphasizing her grace and strength. Maria Isabel will be seated against a backdrop of Otrobanda’s iconic architecture and warm colors, reflecting Curaçao’s vibrancy and colonial influences.

2.Features: She will embody the traits suggested by historical accounts—a blend of dark skin, fine-textured hair, and striking blue eyes. This duality symbolizes the mingling of cultures and the unbreakable spirit of Afro-Caribbean women of her time.

3.Mood: The painting will balance a sense of nostalgia with empowerment. She will be dressed modestly but elegantly, emphasizing her humanity and dignity despite the societal constraints of her era.

4.Color Palette: Rich earth tones with accents of gold and blue to represent her connection to both the land and the sea—a metaphor for her identity and journey.

By painting Maria Isabel Gómez, I aim to restore her to the narrative from which she has been largely excluded. This project goes beyond art; it is a reclamation of history, challenging the silence surrounding women of African descent in Latin American independence movements. Through her portrait, I hope to inspire conversations about her life, her son’s achievements, and the legacy of Afro-Caribbean women.