Bridging Cultures with Communication
Boruca Art Empowerment
In order to shine a light on the struggles and limitations of the Boruca people, a tribe located in the southern province of Puntarenas, Costa Rica. I focused my thesis in not only educating the audience about the limitations that the Boruca experience when selling their art, but also to create a platform that can be used by the artist to sell their art and to expand to an international market.
Research
Boruca people have shown resilience through their economic growth over time, as well as the preservation of their culture. They have brought back their ancestors' textiles and masks. Their handicrafts and their sense of entrepreneurship helped them begin to regrow their economy; however, there are still some obstacles that hinder the Boruca community. Geographic limitations such as isolated areas prone to floods, a lack of resources like gas stations and internet, even competition from other tribes and a limited knowledge of the international market.
The installation of the thesis was placed in the Center of Visual Arts, where I directed the installation with assistance from friends and family who helped bring my vision to life. The installation lasted for four days, with the painting of the mural taking three days and the hanging of the TV taking one day. With the help and guidance of Melanie Finlayson and the CVA crew, we had everything ready for the Thesis Exhibition opening on April 5th.
The website design and a marketing strategy helps the Boruca people sell their art nationally and internationally. This design solution aims to amplify their voices, share their stories, and ultimately empower them to provide for their families and secure a better future for their children.
The Boruca showcased in the exhibition were brought from Costa Rica. They were made by Pedro Leiva, an indigenous artist who has been collaborating on the research of Boruca Art Empowerment. All four masks were sold at the opening of the exhibition.
