Rompeolas

Julia de Burgos García (February 17, 1914 – July 6, 1953) was a Puerto Rican poet, an advocate of Puerto Rican independence, a member of the women's branch of the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party, and a civil rights activist for women and Afro-Caribbean writers.

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Inspired by Julia de Burgos' poem Rompeolas, we created a mural from a place of nostalgia and longing. This poem was one of Burgos' last pieces, written while she was living in New York. Our intention with this mural was, beyond capturing Julia's essence, to connect with the Puerto Rican diaspora. This particular poem captures the longing one may feel while living far from Puerto Rico.

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In this mural, Julia's hands stand out, writing the poem that transforms its surroundings, bringing forth a beautiful landscape. The sea, the mountains, rivers, and magnolias are some of the elements that are found in her poems. It also includes the letters to Consuelo, Julia's sister, which allowed greater insights into Julia's daily life. Finally, all these elements are accompanied by portraits of her. A solemn one and a cheerful one, both sides of Julia.

This mural was created with the utmost respect, honest love, and honor towards Julia de Burgos. We hope that it helps to disseminate her legacy and that the diaspora may feel closer to the sea.

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This mural was commissioned by the Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center and made possible with the support of The Bloomingdale Trail.