Honorable Mention / 2024 / Portraiture / Culture

Bamboula: Resistance and Freedom

  • Photographer
    Jay Rivera Marcano, Puerto Rico
  • Studio
    Jay Studio

"Bamboula: Resistance and Freedom" portrays Julito Gaston, a Bomba virtuoso since age two, embodying Puerto Rican culture's struggle for liberty. Each portrait reveals Gaston's soul—a testament to resilience, sparking reflection on resistance and identity. Through Gaston's gaze and drumbeats, viewers witness the enduring fortitude of a person. "Bamboula" transcends portraiture, urging cultural preservation and collective liberation, championing free thought and expression for a more equitable society. It serves as a poignant reminder of the power of art to inspire change and shape future.