"Daughters of AyAy"

Photography by Nicole Canegata

Series Location: Frederiksted, St. Croix

May 24th, 2020                                                              

ARTIST STATEMENT: 

This series of photographs, entitled “Daughters of AyAy” is an incarnation of the past: resistance, present: reclamation, and future: restoration.

I was inspired by a powerful meditation and visualizations I received, to honor the spirit of my Taino and African ancestors. “AyAy” was the Taino name for St. Croix during Pre-Columbian times. These images feature three of her daughters, representing the matriarchal sovereign society that once was, and the rebirth of the warrior goddess and her reverence to the natural elements: earth and fire – both grounding and purifying energies.

My intention is to acknowledge our traumatic past: the history of slavery and the sugarcane industry, while paying homage to our “fire burn queens” and their movement of resistance and emancipation, yet moving foward to inspire the purification and healing of our spirits and this forgotten sacred land.

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  • "Daughters of AyAy" photography prints are available in limited editions of 20

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"The Traveling Lense: Sands of Time"

Photography by Nicole Canegata

Henle Studio Art Gallery - St. Croix, USVI

March 15th, 2018 - December 31st, 2018                                                                  

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ARTIST STATEMENT: 

To be able to speak through my lens and give a voice to the people, places and stories that I document; to stir discussions or emotion, shed light on a particular subject, is my driving force. Photography allows me to be honest, free, and ever present, always honoring my subjects and the world around me. 

In January 2018, I traveled to Egypt and Jordan on a spiritual pilgrimage with 10 strangers; it was a life-changing sacred journey. Besides being in awe of the ancient wonders, anyone who travels to Egypt will tell you that there is a powerful, otherworldly energy that you cannot help but feel. On this trip, I realized that my photography journey is spirit led, and I am truly inspired in the moment by the energy I feel, the people I encounter and the landscapes that move me.

However, my photography is not just about capturing moments, it is about digging deeper to understand the connection of our humanity, despite our differences. I was constantly in awe and humbled by the enthusiasm, hospitality and kindness I felt from the people I came across, both in Egypt and Jordan. I am saddened by the political divisiveness, negative terrorist stereotypes, and Xenophobia that the entire Middle East has had to endure as a result of the media. My hope is to promote awareness and inspire travel to both Egypt and Jordan, despite what the media portrays. You can only find truth in reality for yourself.

* please click on thumbnail to view image *

PRINTS FOR PURCHASE:

  • "The Traveling Lense: Sands of Time" photography prints are available in limited editions of 20

  • For available print sizes & pricing, please click on the "purchase details" (drop down menu below)

  • During the check out process, please specify the "print title" (listed below each image) in the message box

  • Select prints available in black & white (click on image titles)

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"Ode to Monochrome"

Photography by Nicole Canegata

Café Christine - Bistro & Art Gallery - St. Croix, USVI

January 7th, 2015 - February 27th, 2015                                                                  

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ARTIST STATEMENT: 

Being able to capture a moment and duplicate it in time is like modern day magic in my book. To have my viewers emotionally connect with my images and subject matter is one of the main objectives in my work. Photography allows me to be honest, to be free, to be ever present, and to honor my subjects and the world around me. 

“Ode to Monochrome” is a body of artwork that reflects my admiration for black and white photography. All the works were produced digitally, emulating the dark room film process, and was inspired by some of the classic photographers such as Fritz Henle, Ruth Bernhard, and Imogen Cunningham. In this series, I have explored the elements of shape, line and texture within man-made/natural environments and through the female form, while abstracting parts of the whole. 

* please click on thumbnail to view image *

PRINTS FOR PURCHASE:

  • "Ode to Monochrome" photography prints are available in limited editions of 20

  • For available print sizes & pricing, please click on the "purchase details" (drop down menu below)

  • During the check out process, please specify the "print title" (listed below each image) in the message box

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"Colonial Comfort"

Photography by Nicole Canegata

Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts - St. Croix, USVI

September 19th, 2014 - November 20th, 2014

Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Puerto Rico - San Juan, Puerto Rico

June 25th, 2015 - October 25th, 2015                                                                 

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ARTIST STATEMENT: 

I am proud of my unique and cultural heritage and that is rooted in every fiber of my being. I am of Puerto Rican descent on both my maternal and paternal grandparents’ side, as well as 5th generation Crucian on my father’s side. These enchanted islands, its colonial story, along with my ancestors’ legacies, have shaped who I am today. With this body of work that I am exploring / showcasing, I would like to convey through my lens the symbiotic relationship between Puerto Rican Crucians and how they relate to the colonial comforts of present day society.

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Series I: Colonial Detachment

Image #1: “Hovensa Oil Refinery: Our Last Hope” - paradoxically, was our economy's beacon of hope for the last 50 years, and since the refinery shut down in 2012, this autonomous modern "colonial" institution has contributed to the stifling and worst economic downturn our island of St. Croix has seen in its history.

Image #2: “Bambula Entranced” - this is a portrait depicting a Bambula ceremony at Whim Great House, which was performed by the slaves in the Virgin Islands & Puerto Rico. In this photo, the young woman is channeling the disheartened, discomfort, repression and identity void, felt by her ancestors that were enforced by colonial masters.

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Series II: Cultural Ramifications

Image #3: “Estate Profit” - a cultural sense of pride always prevails within this local housing community despite life's apparent hardships.

Image #4: “Colonial Identity” - the conscious choice to leave the PR and USVI flags in color is symbolic that we are not entirely part of the US - we are U.S. Citizens, but don't have the same rights as US mainland residents, in many respects; culturally we are so different and don't necessarily identify as being Americans. Sugar cane in the background is also significant - the industry brought many of the Puerto Ricans to St. Croix, uniting both cultures, but in the end, it was representative of another major colonial influence: the Danish West Indies.

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PRINTS FOR PURCHASE:

  • These four original “Colonial Comfort” prints are framed and available for purchase

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"The Traveling Lense"

Photography by Nicole Canegata

MacheteMachete Art Studio - St. Croix, USVI

January 20th, 2011 - February 5th, 2011                                                                 

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ARTIST STATEMENT: 

My first solo debut: The Traveling Lense  features a collection of travel photos depicting everyday life around the globe. This body of work holds a very special place in my heart – it facilitated my growth as a photographer…opened up the door for me to be accepted into two prestigious photography schools, Brooks Institute and the San Francisco Art Institute…and was the catalyst that inspired me to be on this exciting journey, which ultimately, changed the course of my life.

I am indebted and thankful to, Francis Thomas Capone and MacheteMachete Art Studio, for believing in me and giving me the chance to showcase my photography work to the world – I would not be the photographer I am today without your love and support!

* please click on thumbnail to view image *

PRINTS FOR PURCHASE:

  • "The Traveling Lense" photography prints are available in limited second editions of 10

  • For available print sizes & pricing, please click on the "purchase details" (drop down menu below)

  • During the check out process, please specify the "print title" (listed below each image) in the message box

  • Shipping cost is additional

Purchase Details

THANK YOU!!!

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