ERIKA P. RODRIGUEZ, 29
BORN: San Juan, PR
RESIDES: San Juan, PR
EDUCATION: B.S. in Visual Journalism, Brooks Institute
CLIENTS: New York Times, Washington Post, NPR, CNN
AWARDS/EXHIBITIONS: Eddie Adams Workshop, Photographer of the Year: Association of Puerto Rican Photojournalists
Website / Instagram
I document Puerto Rico, my homeland. I focus on the Puerto Rican identity in the context of our complex political relationship with the United States as an unincorporated territory, and as it morphs with the economic crisis and hurricane Maria’s aftermath.
It is crucial for me to counter the stereotypical representation of the Caribbean, one generally tied to a romantic paradise with clichés that simplify and invisibilize our communities. Documenting Puerto Rico is not only my obsession, but the way I am building a visual legacy for the generations to come.