Zoila Márquez
Work
Writing
About
Artist Statement
CV
Familial Archive, 2023—Ongoing
Inherited photos, film negatives, and miscellaneous objects
Following the passing of the matriarch of my family, my great-grandmother, I had the realization that I was uncertain of my familial lineage and origins.
While preparing for the funeral, my discomfort led me to the rusted shed in my grandparents’ backyard. The shed was filled with weathered boxes, many extremely water-damaged and neglected. Box by box, I began to excavate the shed.
Collectively, in our grief, my family sat and sifted through the contents of each box—uncovering lost and missed items. Of interest to me were piles and piles of photographs, film negatives, and odd, inexplicably sentimental objects.
The belief that these objects has been lost, or no longer existed due in part to various family misfortunes, instilled the desperate determination to restore and preserve these objects. Every prayer card, photograph found in a wallet, dental x-ray, drivers license, and locks of hair needed to be kept and accounted for.
Facing the substantial loss of my Nana, my family entrusted me to create our familial archive. This personal project has transformed into a process of reconnecting and encountering versions of family members that existed before I did.
The project is ongoing, and it’s impact on my practice is constantly evolving.