Cuban American artist, Ana Flores, returned to her island for the first time in 40 years in 2002. The pilgrimage had a profound and defining impact on her sense of identity and vision as an artist.

The resulting sculptural installation is multilayered with political, cultural and personal imagery. Flores has chosen to convey complex themes such as her own family’s exile, Cuba’s history and Castro’s dictatorship in a deceivingly simple folk art style that includes sculptural toys, puppets and furniture. Text, music and video elements are woven into the participatory installation. All of the work is made out of found and recycled materials as a tribute to the creativity and resourcefulness that she witnessed on the island.

The installation as a whole is available as a traveling exhibit or as separate sculptural components.