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Miami International University of Art & Design Hosts Photography Exhibit of Hurricane Maria Aftermath by Students at the University of Puerto Rico in Carolina

On May 10, 2018, Miami International University of Art & Design (MIU) hosted the exhibit reception for Dissociation: Aftermath of Hurricane Maria, a photography exhibit that chronicles the chaos that followed Hurricane Maria from the perspective of displaced Commercial Advertising students at the University of Puerto Rico in Carolina.

The exhibit followed the journey of 17 students who had just commenced the “Editorial Photography” course led by their instructor and MIU alumnus (MFA Visual Arts 2012), Annie Y. Saldaña. The students’ photographic essay assignment quickly became a photographic documentary on the reality of their circumstances and the dire situation of themselves and everyone around them following Hurricane Maria. The exhibit included images of physical damage to structures, but also images of people scurrying to rid their homes of water and even going out into the elements during the storm trying to clear the sewer and debris in a desperate effort to save their streets and homes from the flooding.
The images underlined the very real issue of potable water and the limited water supply that continued for weeks following the storm in Puerto Rico. The images chronicled the desperation of the island’s people, who felt isolated and alienated as it took 2-3 weeks for the help to reach them, due to the massive devastation and road conditions of the island. The exhibit provides a very real and human account of what life was like during and after the storm through eyewitness and first-person images of the devastation and destruction.
Student photographers:

1. Kevin Arce Falcon
2. Paulette Braffett Jovet
3. Monica Caballero Colon
4. Jose Cirino Perez
5. Alex Cornelio Santiago
6. Wilvelisse Corps Rodriguez
7. Liara Davila Davila
8. Christopher De Aza Aviles
9. Gabriel Diaz Sanchez
10. Ixchellinairys Ortiz Davis
11. Alondra Rios Torrens
12. Adriana Rivera Flores
13. David Rodriguez Bouyett
14. Sianelly Rodriguez Carrasquillo
15. Yelitza Rosado Martinez
16. Ketzy Santiago Burgos
17. Ashley Vera Vazquez

           “The photographic essay assignment became the visual journey of what our lives were; the images of the demolished structures were especially impactful to us, no one ever imagined that these very heavy structures would not withstand hurricane force winds,” said Saldana. The devastating results of Hurricane Maria left an island completely in the dark with complete shutdown of the electrical grid, with minimal communication, if any, due to over 92% of its communication towers affected; with over half the population without potable water; over 11,000 residents in refuge and over 60 hurricane-related deaths.
“This exhibit is near and dear to our hearts here at MIU, as many of us have family in Puerto Rico that was directly impacted as a result of both Hurricane Irma and Maria. To be able to showcase not only the hardships, but the amazing spirit of the Puerto Rican people is truly an honor,” said Erika Fleming, president of Miami International University of Art & Design.
As a result, the effects of the storm will continue to impact the island for generations to come as many of its residents have not returned and many do not plan to.