Roxsana Diaz

 “I willingly incarcerated my heart to protect his.”  Roxsana Diaz, artist

Roxsana Diaz, born and raised in Puerto Rico, immigrated to the United States as a preteen. Though Roxsana moved to the States without speaking English, she quickly found her voice through art—a universal medium that transcended the barriers she encountered. Throughout her life, the artist has faced unimaginable hardships, finding strength and solace in her creativity. Roxsana’s deliberate use of vibrant colors reflects her belief that “art can heal.” Her mixed-media work expresses the deeply personal stories she has never been able to articulate with words, while also standing as a medium for exploration of the transformative power of creativity. Through her art, Roxsana not only processes her own experiences but also forges connections with others, offering a shared sense of hope and understanding with others who struggle to tell their stories through words. 

Collection Description:  At the heart of Roxana’s collection for this exhibition is one chapter of Roxsana’s story – a woman who spent five agonizing years waiting for the release of her beloved from prison. “I willingly incarcerated my heart to protect his.” Her life became endless days of longing with lonely nights filled with silent tears, each one marked by the pain of separation and the hope for reunion. Each painting in this collection is a depiction of this devastating chapter in her life. Roxsana uses muted tones to convey the weight of sorrow and vibrant hues to symbolize fleeting moments of hope. Through her use of love letters and expressive brushstrokes, the artwork captures Roxsana's inner turmoil, her strength in vulnerability, the ups and downs this kind of dedication can take on a woman, and the invisible scars left by the passage of time. Roxsana invites viewers to witness the silent suffering endured by those who wait, offering a powerful testament to love, resilience, and the human spirit's capacity to endure.