CARMEN ADORNO
77
I was born in the neighborhood of Arrozal in Arecibo, Puerto Rico on August 11, 1942. At the age of 5 I was orphaned, so my two siblings and I were raised by my aunt. After graduating high school and struggling to find work, I moved to New York City and worked here for 33 years. For five of those years, I modeled for a very successful sari company that specialized in the most beautiful bridal saris. At the end of my time modeling, I was in a very serious car accident that left me unable to work for 3 months. By the time I could work again, the sari company had moved their business out of state, so I found a new job at a nursing home, and worked there until my retirement. Now, I babysit when I can, and am a very active parishioner at a Methodist church here in the Bronx.
I love being a part of the Bronx Senior Photo League because photography is a new experience for me. It has changed the way I look at things and I see so much more. It has truly transformed my life, especially keeping me entertained during the pandemic. I live alone, or with God, as I like to say, and love nature, so I enjoy looking through my window, marveling at God’s earth. I feel called to live a life of tranquility until God calls me home.
My devotion to my faith has helped me grapple with the tension in our communities right now. I’ve used this time at home to reflect on life as it was before. I find myself questioning where we are supposed to go now that life is new in a sense. I want us to communicate more with family and with other people. We should take better care of each other and of our health. My hope is that in my own life and out there in the world, we can find peace.
PERSONAL PROJECT: GOLDEN WINDOW
The day I moved into this apartment, my neighbor gave me this plaque of praying hands, Bronx, New York, 2019.
Every morning, the first thing I do is look out my window. Bronx, New York, 2020.
The afternoon light falling to give way for the night, Bronx, New York, 2019.
We rise for the sun, and we wait to see if the sun will rise for us tomorrow. Bronx, New York, 2019.
Self-portrait of my shadow. Bronx, New York, 2020.
A view from my window, Bronx, New York, 2019.
The morning sun. Bronx, New York, 2020.
Light coming through my window. Bronx, New York, 2020.
DOCUMENTARY WORK
Older adults at the senior center. Many who are pictured did not survive the COVID-19 pandemic, Bronx, New York, 2020.
A senior center member celebrates his 100th birthday. Bronx, New York, 2020.
Celebration of Black History Month at the Mitchel Senior Center, Bronx, New York, 2020
Still from an old film. 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.
La seguridad de la luz, Bronx, New York, 2020.
Flowers at home dedicated to those we have lost to COVID-19. We are Christ’s church. Bronx, New York, Easter 2020.
A photo of my TV, showing the Pope giving his last in-person benediction due to COVID-19 restrictions, Bronx, New York, 2020.
Crucifix that I painted myself, Bronx, New York, Easter 2020.
Flowers dedicated to those we have lost to COVID-19, Bronx, New York, Easter 2020.