Diablito Cojuelo
This piece was originally created as a submission for the Uptown Arts Stroll Poster Contest organized by the Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance (NoMAA), where it was selected as one of the top three finalist designs.
The Diablito Cojuelo is inspired by the Dominican Republic's folkloric "Lame Devil," a cultural figure commonly featured in parades, festivals, and holiday celebrations throughout the country. In this interpretation, the folkloric devil is depicted with plantain-shaped horns and a musical instrument in hand.
As a mixed-media work, this artwork also incorporates Augmented Reality. When viewed through a mobile device, it reveals a hidden portrait of an Afro-Latino musician outside of the costume, holding the same instrument. Together, these two images celebrate the musical influence of Afro-Latino communities in the Dominican Republic.
Historically, the Diablito Cojuelo has also been interpreted as a satirical representation of the colonial ruling class. By combining these visual narratives, the piece pays homage to the power of music as a form of cultural expression, resistance, and resilience among Afro-descendant communities on the island.