History of the Block
History of the Block" is a digital artwork that celebrates the layered history of Caribbean Latinos, tracing their journey from the Taino Arawaks to modern-day Washington Heights/Inwood. Through a two-minute panoramic movement, the piece presents figures from different historical periods dancing in their respective styles, creating a visual and rhythmic continuity that bridges past and present. This work transforms the everyday commute into an immersive cultural experience, allowing transit riders to witness the resilience and evolution of a community that has been integral to New York’s identity..
was born and raised in Washington Heights/Inwood, a neighborhood where history lives in the rhythm of the streets. History of the Block is my tribute to the people who built this community, the Caribbean Latinos whose roots stretch back to the New World, through Colonial Times, and into the thriving, ever-changing culture of today. Dance has always been our language of survival and celebration, and in this piece, I use movement to connect generations across time. As the image slowly pans from left to right, viewers witness the evolution of our people, our struggles, our joy, our resilience all set against the backdrop of a city we’ve helped shape.