Copyright © Jacquelyn Guerrero, 2020.
Canción del Altar
Altar! Altar! Altar que lleva mis ofrendos;
Espíritus queridos, yo les agradezco. Guayaba y naranja para proteger mi cuerpo, Huevo de piedra pa’ sacar al negativo. Agua de florida me aleja mala suerte, Humo de tabaco pa’ limpiar la mala vibra. Rosa Rosa Rosa pa ́ sanar mi corazón, Guayabita del Pinar porque yo no tengo rón. Collares de los santos mis raíces africanas, Sonajero de tortuga la mamá de las Taínas, Y el cruz maldito que trajeron los cristianos; Conchas y arena mar y tierra que yo amo. Yo traje de Cuba este aguita bendita, Y esta velita pa’ prender la luz magíca. Cristales me ayudan con el trauma tengo encima, Receta espiritual para bendecir mi vida. Altar! Altar! Altar que lleve mis ofrendos, Espíritus queridos, yo les agradezco. Pido su perdón Pido su perdón Pido su perdón Y yo les agradezco. |
Altar Song
Altar! Altar! Altar that holds my offerings;
Dear spirits, I thank you. Guava and orange to protect my body, Egg of stone to remove the negative. Florida water relieves my bad luck, Tobacco smoke to cleanse bad vibes. Rose Rose Rose to heal my heart Guayabita del Pinar because I ́m out of rum. Necklaces of the saints, my African roots, Rattle of turtle the mother of Taínas, And the cursed cross brought by Christians; Shells and sand, sea and land that I love. I brought this holy water from Cuba, And this little candle to turn on the magic light. Crystals help me with the trauma I carry, Spiritual recipe to bless my life. Altar! Altar! Altar! that holds my offerings; Dear spirits, I thank you. I ask for your forgiveness I ask for your forgiveness I ask for your forgiveness And I thank you. |
About the Artist
Copyright © ColectivoMultipolar
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Jacquelyn Carmen Guerrero (b. 1988, Hialeah, FL) is a multi-disciplinary artist who studies and uncovers the complexities of Caribbean heritage through ornate installations and captivating performance that create spaces for transformation. Their practice centers on the research, rediscovery, and reclamation of the cultural, spiritual, and artistic legacies of her queer, AfroCuban, and Puerto-Rican heritage. This research and reflection is expressed through a combination of visual art, music, and multi-media performance art. She was born and raised in Miami, FL, received a BA in Communication (Theatre) from Northwestern University in 2010, and is currently based in Chicago, IL. Pronouns: she/her and they/them.
Visually, Guerrero uses sequin and bead embroidery to create protective talismans that explore spiritual symbolism and intentionality, as well as creating medium and large scale installations using textiles, glitter, and natural materials. Musically, Guerrero studies traditional Caribbean vocal techniques and percussion, along with the music of modern divas, to create original compositions that reinterpret traditional themes and techniques through a queer and feminist lens. Guerrero also performs as DJ CQQCHIFRUIT and their sound explores the wide spectrum between electronic and tropical sounds. They are co-founder of TRQPITECA, a Chicago-based artist duo and production company creating spaces and opportunities for local and international artists who identify as queer (LGBTQIA+), ALAANA, and/or allies to experiment and thrive with through art and underground dance music. As a performance artist, Guerrero has trained in classical theatre and dance techniques, burlesque dance, drag performance, butoh, and Afro-Caribbean dance, using these techniques to explore themes of spirituality, gender, race, and sexuality. Jacquelyn holds the positions of Registrar and Teaching Artist at Hyde Park Art Center, and is a Cultural Liaison within the Arts & Culture Unit of the Chicago Park District. Notable achievements include BOLT Residency Artist (2019-2020), SPARK Microgrant Recipient (2019), Propeller Fund Awardee (2017, TRQPITECA), Newcity Breakout Artist (2017), along with numerous exhibitions, performances, screenings, panel discussions, and projects. |