In Memory of Berta Gomez, 1925-2023
As you look through this gallery, you'll be taken on a journey that is deeply personal to me. This series is a tribute to my paternal grandmother, Tita, who played a pivotal role in my life, raising me and being a constant presence in my home. Orphaned at the age of eight, Tita was on her own from a young age. She taught herself to read and write and learned to sew, eventually becoming a seamstress—a skill that allowed her to survive and provide for herself until she retired at the age of 70.
Unfortunately, as she aged, she developed severe Alzheimer's and dementia, which meant that my family and I had to take on the responsibility of caring for her full-time.
Over the course of seven years, I captured moments of my grandmother's journey using both digital and film cameras, showcasing her strength and resilience in the face of such a debilitating illness. She showed that aging with grace comes from the strength drawn from the love and support of those who care for you.
This series is also a tribute to the unwavering love and dedication of my father, who took on the majority of the caregiving duties while working a full-time job and a second part-time job. It's a testament to the struggles that working-class families face when dealing with the cost and time required for elder care.
As I was completing this series, my grandmother passed away at the age of 98. It was a bittersweet moment, knowing that the prints were being prepared for my spring 2023 show and that her legacy would live on through my art. This series is a reminder to cherish the time we have with our loved ones and never take any moment for granted. I hope these photographs leave you with a sense of appreciation for the strength of the human spirit and the power of family love.
