Metamórfica
Metamórfica, now permanently nestled within the majestic expanse of El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico, stands as a tribute to the island's powerful geodynamic forces. Unveiled as part of Arte Yunque: Ensayos en la Naturaleza, the work honors the elemental processes that have shaped not only the forest's landscape but also the rich, complex cultural identity of Puerto Rico.Metamórfica draws from the elemental processes that formed El Yunque—intense heat, tectonic shifts, and volcanic activity—reminding us of the power and resilience of the tropical rainforest as a living entity. This work pays homage to El Yunque as a vital energy center, revered since ancestral times, and considers how the forces of nature mirror the complexities of Puerto Rican identity.
At the heart of Metamórfica lies the ancient spiral, a transcultural symbol of transformation, rebirth, and the cyclical nature of existence. Found in petroglyphs, architecture, and ritual objects across cultures, the spiral connects the physical and spiritual realms, embodying a universal rhythm shared by all life. In Puerto Rico, the spiral reflects the cultural and natural forces that have continuously shaped the island, much like hurricanes, whose spiraling patterns bring both destruction and renewal.
This project is a meditation on growth and evolution, a dialogue between the natural world and the human spirit. It invites viewers to contemplate their own connection to these ancient cycles, drawing strength and wisdom from the enduring patterns that unite us across time and geography.
I am deeply grateful to Georgie Vega for the opportunity to realize this project in one of the places closest to my heart, and to my friend and collaborator Guillermo Rodríguez for his invaluable support on-site during production. Though I couldn’t be present for the unveiling, knowing that Metamórfica now lives within this extraordinary landscape fills me with immense gratitude.
