JEANNETTE BETANCOURT

(New York, USA, 1959)

Liquid journeys, 2013

Manual engraving on an acrylic surface, shadows, and wooden tablet

MAB’s permanent collection (Partial donation by the artist)

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This engraving is based on images from the Doppler system of Hurricane Georges when it passed over Puerto Rico in 1998, considered the most violent atmospheric event of the island during the 20th century. Hurricane comes from the indigenous word Juracán, which refers to the goddess of wind, water and sky, also known as Guabancex. This symbolizes a cosmic synergy by containing three elements (fire or lightning, air or wind, water or rain) that impacts the fourth element, land (Cirlot, 1997). It’s not surprising that our indigenous ancestors feared this deity because of its devastating and destructive force. With the passage of hurricanes Irma and María in 2017 and Fiona in 2022, the concept of a hurricane has gained greater importance and awareness in the social fabric of Puerto Ricans, currently representing one of the most violent and devastating atmospheric phenomena as a result of global warming.