FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WILLEMSTAD, 12 th of December 2024 –
The “Duna Kara na María Isabel Gómez” (Give a Face to María Isabel Gómez, or don’t turn yourself from Maria Isabel Gomez) project has brought to light the extraordinary legacy of María Isabel Gómez, the mother of Venezuelan independence hero Manuel Piar. This initiative restores her rightful place in history as a symbol of resilience, strength, and untold contributions to the intertwined histories of Curaçao, Venezuela, and Latin America.
María Isabel Gómez stands as a reminder of the invisible struggles and triumphs of women of mixed race during the colonial era—women often erased by systemic discrimination based on gender, race, and class. The Duna Kara project not only envisions her face but also uplifts her name from obscurity.
A Legacy of Courage and Compassion
María Isabel Gómez was much more than the mother of a hero. She was a midwife, a confidante, and a courageous activist. In Curaçao, she supported enslaved individuals, reflecting her deep compassion and dedication to freedom. Her relocation to La Guaira, Venezuela, marked the continuation of her activism, where she played a role in early independence movements, such as the Gual and España insurrection.
As the mother of Manuel Piar, her influence on his commitment to justice, equality, and freedom cannot be overstated. Her enduring legacy of resistance and revolution continues to inspire generations.
Artistic Interpretations Bring History to Life
Through diverse artistic representations, the Duna Kara project has brought María Isabel Gómez’s story to life. The paintings range from light-skinned depictions to deeper tones, capturing her identity as a “mulata” in a colonial society marked by systemic racism and injustice. These artworks showcase the complexities of her character and the realities she faced.
For example:
- A Portrait of Strength: One painting depicts María Isabel with soft yet determinedfeatures, standing against the Curaçaoan landscape of Otrobanda, symbolizing her
deep ties to her community and her role as a midwife.
- A Revolutionary Glow: Another shows her in La Guaira, with bold colorshighlighting her activism during the Gual and España uprising, placing her in the
context of the revolutionary struggle.
- A Maternal Legacy: A striking interpretation portrays her holding young ManuelPiar, emphasizing the nurturing influence she had on one of the most prominent figures of Venezuelan independence.
These artistic renderings are not just a tribute to María Isabel Gómez but a collective effort to ensure that her contributions are no longer overlooked.
A Beacon for Future Generations
By symbolically “giving a face” to María Isabel Gómez, this initiative restores her to the pages of history and recognizes her as both a local and international figure. Her story affirms the lives and struggles of countless others whose realities were never acknowledged, restoring dignity and humanity to those rendered invisible by history.
Mission completed : Honoring María Isabel Gómez, A Hidden Pillar of History
María Isabel Gómez reminds us that history is not only about those who fought on the battlefield but also about those who nurtured, supported, and inspired them from behind the scenes. Her legacy stands as a beacon of hope, courage, and justice for future generations.
This important historical exercise opens the door for us to visualize María Isabel Gómez in both Curaçao and Venezuela as a mother, midwife, and socially engaged woman with profound self- respect and a commitment to freedom. By piecing together fragments of her life, the project demonstrates that her spirit—and that of her son, Manuel Piar—remains vivid among us today.
Join Us in Honoring Her Legacy
The “Duna Kara na María Isabel Gómez” project highlights the need to rediscover and honor forgotten figures in history. It calls on educational and cultural institutions to incorporate her story into national curricula and ensure her enduring influence inspires future generations.
For more information on the project, the paintings, or upcoming events, please contact:
Tico Vos
Content Creator www.manuelcarlospiar.com
[email protected] [email protected] +59996651402
THE END OF THE PRESS RELEASE
Tico Vos is a professional photographer, producer, and tourism specialist. He has been documenting the History, Culture, and News of Curaçao. This site is a documentation of the history of Manuel Carlos Piar.
