My self-portrait series "La Jaula," which translates to "the cage," is born from emotional and psychological trauma caused by the male body stereotype in Puerto Rican culture. The ongoing series (2021—present) consists of black-and-white nude self-portraits, scene fabrication, and placing my body in situations that are exciting or alarming; for some. They are naturally rebellious and carry a confession, an honest unveiling of psychological shifts. The placement is particularly important as it acts as an invitation into how I view my world. Every photograph is me. "La Jaula" began to develop two years after I left the island to cope with insecurities inflicted by delirious societal standards and the need for paternal approval.
