The Matriarch Carries More Than a Family

Raising Consciousness Through Cultural Artistic Expression

Tucked away on a quiet street in Mediania Alta lies the three-story space serving as a working art studio and home to one of Loíza’s treasured children, painter and sculptor Samuel Lind. Arriving here is to grab a glimpse of what this town looked like decades ago , with its expansive palm groves and verdant landscapes.

Though much has changed, Lind still draws inspiration from those childhood memories of the town’s idyllic coastal beauty, and he continues to capture vivid cultural scenes in his work. Having been raised in a heavily fishing-dependent community, Samuel’s work represents natural panoramas at risk of disappearing.

When asked about the role his work plays in a changing world where real estate development takes priority over the environment, he becomes pensive.

“From the first moment I saw images emerge in my work, I began to understand my responsibility,” he said. “For me, the main mission was to create awareness. Apart from the need for personal artistic expression, I realized those images depicting simple Puerto Rican lifestyles carried a message — that our lives and our culture were worth exalting. It was [and remains] very important that I depict scenes of loiceño life.

“Seeing what was happening to our neighborhoods, the destruction of palm groves, and the displacement of people to build condominiums, that hurt. To see our environment drastically change was to lose a part of me,” he added.

Art as a Vehicle for Resistance and Connection With the Youth

Although Lind’s work has been showcased internationally — in Chile, Japan, México, and the U.S. — he has chosen to remain in his beloved Loíza. Several times throughout his career, his ears have met with two particular criticisms, such as the notion of creating “primitive art that won’t sell” and the recommendation to leave his hometown in order for his “work to progress”—perspectives he refuses to accept.

“My art is full of daily experiences, portraying a segment of la vida del puertorriqueño (Puerto Rican lifestyle),” he said. “Some have called it ‘primitive’ as if to say my paintings are too ‘homely’ and simple. They said it wouldn’t sell. The irony is I’ve sold many paintings of these images to people who find this bold ‘old Loíza’ landscape grounding. I’ve been told they find healing in my work.”

As for the idea that he should leave his native Loíza to advance his work, he explained: “For them, ‘progress’ meant I needed to paint other panoramas. More significantly, they insisted it meant leaving Loíza behind. It was a lie. Ever since I painted Guillermo y su Palmar (Guillermo in His Palm Grove), I understood that the environment here is inextricably connected to nature. As loiceños, nature is a part of our essence.”

In both scenarios, Lind is acutely aware of his art as resistance, and he is completely comfortable with it.

Aside from being an advocate for protecting our natural resources and the environment, his commitment to the youth is palpable. Through workshops, school visits to his studio, and mentorship programs, he aims to instill respect and connection to nature and Loíza.

For Lind, it goes beyond simply showing them his work.

“I see the youth as a continuity of the present and tomorrow. The future is theirs, and they are not oblivious to their role in society,” he said. “Consider this: When the younger generations are surrounded by limited possibilities, they start to believe what others tell them—that they have no future.

“This creates in them a yearning for the truth. When kids visit my studio or participate in smaller community workshops, I observe them. I avoid lecturing — they probably already get that at home or from teachers. Rather, I listen to their perspectives on what they see in my studio as well as what they’re doing in their lives , whether it’s painting, playing an instrument, writing, or other creative venture,” Lind said.

He also shared why he’s so connected to the younger generation.

“They’re open and curious,” he explained. “I always tell them if they’re passionate about their work, continue that route, surround themselves with supportive people, build networks, and build a defined plan. I always remind them not to let anyone tell them they can’t do something.”