MARIA MEZA

68

I am from Nicaragua. I am 68 years old. I live in Manhattan with my husband, who was the reason I moved to the United States six years ago. In Nicaragua, I had a long career as an attorney, law professor, and author of multiple books and treatises. I survived the 1971 earthquake in Managua and a civil war and ultimately became a mediator in our country’s post-war land reform efforts, working at the highest level of the government. I have one son, Hector Jose.  After my retirement, I decided to join my husband in New York permanently. I am currently studying to take the U.S. citizenship exam.  

This is my second exhibition since I joined the BSPL in 2018. I love photography because it helps me capture the moments in life that are unique and unrepeatable. My family and friends are my favorite subjects. I also enjoy photographing nature, the sky and clouds, sunset or sunrise and have learned to appreciate architectural design. When I see photographs I have taken, I am able not only to return in time but also to the feeling and emotion of the moment. Since beginning photography class, I am much more interested in my subjects. Now I take my time; I stop to look at the details, even those that seemed insignificant to me before. When I first take a photograph, I feel anxious.  Sometimes I miss the moment and I can't get what I want. However, once I press the shutter button and see the result, I laugh and realize that I am moving forward and must follow my instincts to discover other aspects of this interesting world of photography. I realize that I can photograph anything I want, enjoy the shots, and continue learning more every day.

PERSONAL PROJECT: ST. JEROME COMMUNITY FOOD PANTRY

Food pantry at St. Jerome where I volunteer and dispense supplies on Wednesdays. Bronx, New York, November 2019.

Food pantry, Bronx, New York, February 2020.

Food pantry, Bronx, New York, February 2020.

Food pantry, Bronx, New York, February 2020.

DOCUMENTARY WORK

“Un rinconcito simbólico”, the corner where I knit. It’s where I feel comfortable. Bronx, New York, 2020.

Celebration of the Virgen de Concepción. These balloons are a form of protest about the political situation in Nicaragua. The woman who invited us into her home for this celebration lost her life to COVID-19. New York, December 2019.

Missed connection to Managua, Nicaragua. Layover in Miami, Florida, December, 2019.

My husband buying lotto tickets. Nicaragua, January 2020.

To remember is to live again. My cousin, Sara, in Natal. Nicaragua, January 2020.

Birthday celebration of my boss in Managua, Nicaragua, May 1975.

My friends dancing to Marimba music at a potluck. We folk dance together and have a group on WhatsApp called “La Piña Madura." Nicaragua, January 2020.

Drive from Chinandega to Managua, Nicaragua, January 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.

Playing with natural light and shadows. Cup of oats in the morning. Bronx, New York, May 2020.

Making my mask, Bronx, New York, March 2020.

Shortage of paper products, Bronx, New York, April 2020. 

Receipt of my food donation, Bronx, New York, May 2020.

Nicaraguan epidemiologist speaking on a conference call, Bronx, New York, April 2020.

View from my window at 7PM during the show of support for essential workers, Bronx, New York, May 2020.

Homage to Gioconda Belli. The world would be different if women were in charge. Bronx, New York, May 2020.

Virtual concert hosted by Carnegie Hall, New York, May 2020.

Still life of a flag, fan, and jersey in Nicaraguan national colors. Bronx, New York, May 2020.

Me wearing a mask I made by hand after watching a YouTube video. Bronx, New York, March 2020.

Clouds in the sky, Bronx, New York, April 2020.

Using Format