Ojos que no ven, corazón que no siente

This proverb “Ojos que no ven, corazón que no siente” (literally, “Eyes that do not see, heart that does not feel”) is a traditional Spanish saying with folk origins and no known author, which is typical for many proverbs.) 

Artist: Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts (TAPA) 

Nosotros, la clase de Heritage Spanish 11 de TAPA, diseñamos esta caja para mostrar lo complejo de las emociones.

“Ojos que no ven, corazón que no siente.” Elegimos esta frase porque es un dicho poderoso que transmite emociones diferentes y que tiene varios significados. En la caja también se ve, cómo a través del arte, algo puede tener lados diferentes. El arte, cabe decir, es subjetivo. Cada persona lo puede interpretar a su manera.

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We, TAPA’s Heritage Spanish 11 class, designed this box to show the complexity of emotions.

“Ojos que no ven, corazón que no siente.” We chose this phrase porque it is a powerful saying that showcases different emotions and how they have different meanings. In the box you can also see how, through art, something can have different sides to it. Art, as they say, is subjective. Each person can interpret it their own way.

The artwork was inspired by the traditional Dominican Lechón and the Puerto Rican
Vejigante masks. The Dominican Lechón masks are traditional pig-face masks worn during the
Dominican Carnival, and are recognized as a powerful symbol of Dominican culture. The
creation of the Lechon masks originated in Spain but eventually has adopted a new
interpretation and has been reclaimed over time through African and Taino influences. A
character once recognized as a symbol of rebellion and resistance against oppression
continues to be a central character in a modern festivity as leaders in the Carnival.
The Puerto Rican Vejigante has a similar origin and has also become a central cultural
figure of Puerto Rico. It has medieval Spanish origins that evolved through Taino and African
influences (reflected through the drum heavy music, bomba and plena, and the native elements
of the mask) when brought to Puerto Rico. The Vejigante is a folkloric character known for its
mischievousness, but for the people, this character goes beyond that. For some, the Vejigantes
are used to ward off negative spirits and energies. Nevertheless, the Vejigantes are a cultural
expression singular to Puerto Rico, a representation of its rich and beautiful culture.
This art piece highlights the interpretation of the Lechón and Vejigante masks as sources
of rebellion against neocolonialism and ongoing settler colonialism. It’s a piece that remembers
and honors the power and freedom of the people of the islands and diaspora. Although the
Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico have distinct histories, they’re united on the quest of
collective liberation. The artwork is also a testament to my solidarity, as a Dominican, with my
Puerto Rican brothers and sisters as they continue the fight against colonialism, gentrification
and the erasure happening in PR. I hope many people from the community feel represented
through this artwork and feel inspired to create their own.
I’d like to dedicate this piece to my family, my best friend and her family, my biggest
supporters and my source of inspiration.