[ Bogota ] Somos La Memoria
"There is an ecstasy that marks the summit of life, and beyond which life cannot rise. And such is the paradox of living, this ecstasy comes when one is most alive, and it comes as a complete forgetfulness of living."
thrifted Gap denim jacket // Zara top // skirt c/o
// Forever 21 sandals //
c/o
I wish I could document the word vomit I can divulge over and over again about my perfection of a trip that is Colombia. There's simply not enough attention span for one person to grant my nonstop spiel. So the best I can do is share my experience through most of my pictures (although, iPhone quality and restricted 1x1's will never do this beautiful country justice) and the valuable lessons this vibrant world has taught me.
But let me just preface the lessons to follow with this:
My heart has awakened with Colombia's rich culture. The music, food, and people embrace a passionate liveliness that emits raw happiness. I come back with enlightened eyes and a wider perspective filled with unimaginable images, authentic experiences, and a powerful creative inspiration from a world of vibrant craft and balance.
From a day of roaming the Spanish streets eating flavorfully satisfying food and drinking cool Colombian beer, to a city tour of Bogota's significant and historic gold discovery, to the detailed crafting of street art praised as a cultural practice enhancing the city's rich beauty, my knowledge has grown to great dynamic territories understanding Colombia's dignified foundation. I've been magnanimously inspired by the intense capacity the country takes to preserve its in-born aesthetic through cultivation of memory. For example, the government supports the art of graffiti, in fact, they appreciate the symbolism behind it--the political significance that its democratic people passionately attribute to the art. It is so closely connected to the state that it actively participates in shaping Colombia's history--somos la memoria or "we are memory", is the mission behind the bold street art beautifully stated in three simple words. As a self-proclaimed artist in my own ways, I can't help but draw attachment to this belief. I, too, want to be remembered for the works I expose to the world. It is creatively stimulating to learn that forms of expression are publicly encouraged and endorsed out in the world. Pair that with the fact that Colombians are known to be extraordinarily more passionate due to their geographical closeness to the equator, and its no wonder I fell in love with this culture instantly. They've taught me a sense of boldness in crafting my own art and to run with the wind of my heart's desires. I feel more free and alive, more assured in re-energizing the things I am naturally passionate about. I am the memory I wish to leave behind and I want to be remembered for the details of my open compositions.
Lesson #1 from Colombia: Drive your passions with the ignition of leaving a memory worth fighting for.
Photography by