This day, but also this time of year, is the culturally prescribed time for reflection. Though I’m not sitting around a table with my family and friends back in the U.S. to take turns saying what we are grateful for, I have been surrounded by people who are also vocalizing what they are thankful for. And I’m … More Grateful for Peace in Colombia
While I’m pulling the title phrase of Bomba Estereo’s song “Algo Está Cambiando” out of context, my attitudes about Colombia are certainly changing with every passing day. And I’ve been listening to Bomba Estereo on repeat, so it feels fitting to pay homage a little in the naming of this post. (Bonus points if you listen … More “Algo Está Cambiando” & Growing to Love Colombia
After first hearing about the Colombian film, El abrazo de la serpiente, or Embrace of the Serpent as it’s been titled in English, I was on the lookout for a screening nearby. I saw nearly everything in theaters over Christmas vacation, but the film hadn’t made it to NC (nor NYC or LA) in January. Even after … More El Abrazo de La Serpiente / Embrace of the Serpent
I’ll start with a few complaints about the weather. While it may sound petty to complain about the weather in a city, hear me out: the extreme drought situation came as a surprise to me, and the conditions are greatly affecting my experience in the city so far. Here’s what’s going on with this weather weirdness: … More Doin the Rain Dance and Other First Impressions of Bogotá
Since Netflix released 10 episodes of a new series titled Narcos last month, the press has been buzzing with praise, criticism, and analyses the show’s cultural implications. The documentary-esque drama series follows the rise of narcotraficantes in 1980s Colombia, centering on Pablo Escobar and DEA agent, Steve Murphy, who is on the Escobar case. In the last decade, the drug trade … More The Allure of Narcos, or Why I’m a Fan
Doris Salcedo In recent years, Salcedo has emerged as one of the most well known Colombian sculptors and installation artists. All of her pieces are informed by her country’s tormented history, and her reconceptualization of visually processing trauma associated with human rights violations has been applied to international events, as well, and has garnered her international … More Colombian Artists of Interest
