NINFA NUÑEZ

60

I moved to the United States after spending the first 14 years of my life in Malta, Ecuador. I have always been a hard-working woman in order to raise and support my 5 children. I hold multiple jobs as a teacher, caregiver, and provider of natural medicine.

“Eternity” is what inspires me to take photos: to be able to capture things that are interesting but fleeting, such as the way people dress, their emotions, and other details around my subjects. I believe those are moments that become history and will live forever. Photography has helped me to be present in the moment and to enjoy life more fully. I see photography as music because both express deep feelings.

The advent of COVID-19 has been difficult for me, bringing at times anxiety and frustration. However, I feel grateful to be alive and to spend more time with my sons. Always rushing because of my multiple jobs, this is the first time I am giving myself the opportunity to rest and breathe. Lately, I have been exploring new culinary recipes and taking well deserved naps as well. The biggest virtue I want to share with the world is “perseverance”. As a 60 year old woman living in the Bronx, I keep fighting and working hard for my family every day.

PERSONAL PROJECT: NATURAL MEDICINE

Natural health products, Bronx, New York, 2020.

Preparing aloe vera for a health drink, Bronx, New York, 2020.

Preparing aloe vera for a health drink, Bronx, New York, 2020.

Pouring aloe vera health drink into a cup, Bronx, New York, 2020.

Front desk at a natural health store, New York, 2020.

DOCUMENTARY WORK

The skyline as my son drives down the West Side highway at dusk, New York, 2020.

Victoria's Secret display during the winter time. New York, 2019.

A collection of my son's awards, Bronx, New York, 2020.

My son's room, Bronx, New York, 2020.

My son's award for Excellence in Leadership, Bronx, New York, 2020. 

COVID-19 PROJECT

During the COVID-19 global pandemic, students documented their experience with physical distancing and self-quarantine. As we had no access to their cameras, they used their mobile phones to capture the constant changes they faced, both positive and negative.

Having a cup of coffee by my window, Bronx, New York, 2020.

Special natural medicines and vitamins during COVID-19. Bronx, New York, 2020.

Writing about my experience with COVID-19 for my BSPL class, Bronx, New York, 2020.

FaceTiming with my family, Bronx, New York, 2020.

Screenshot of my son's Facebook post, Bronx, New York, 2020.

My son, who is an essential worker, wearing his work suit, a mask, and gloves. Bronx, New York, 2020.

Bruises on my son's leg after getting assaulted by police while commuting during curfew. Bronx, New York, 2020.

Bruises on my son's arm after getting assaulted by police while commuting during curfew. Bronx, New York, 2020.

Nurse at the dentist's office, Bronx, New York, 2020.

Selfie with my mask and gloves, Bronx, New York, 2020.

Video I posted to Facebook to educate people on how to put gloves on properly. Bronx, New York, 2020.

Using Format