"Palenquera" draws inspiration from observing and talking to Palenqueras in the streets of Cartagena, Colombia, where their income often comes from taking photos with tourists. This experience profoundly impacted me, leading to the creation of this piece. The headpiece, adorned with floral drawings by different women, symbolizes the collective beauty and strength we carry. The model’s expression of fatigue, coupled with the weight of the headpiece, reflects both the physical and emotional burdens that come with their roles and the commodification of their cultural image. The handwritten Spanish text, "como vives cargando tanto?"—meaning "how do you manage to carry so much?"—poses a question about the challenges of balancing beauty, responsibilities, and societal expectations. This intimate photograph aims to reveal a rarely seen perspective on women’s experiences, acknowledging the hidden struggles behind the facade of strength and grace.
