Salvavida, No Soul For Sale
2009

"NO SOUL FOR SALE – A Festival of Independents." Roxana Pérez-Méndez & Gabriel Martinez created a Collaborative Performance Event entitled “Salvavida” at the former NYC Dia Center in Chelsea on Saturday, June 27th.

Salvavida, No Soul For Sale
2009

Roxana became a 12’ tall apparition of “Caridad del Cobre” (Our Lady of Charity) holding totally still for the hour-long performance, while viewers approached. At eye level, within the candy-flower wreath, viewers discovered a diorama of a paper boat on a stormy feathery ocean.

Salvavida, No Soul For Sale
2009

Gabriel was presented adjacent to Caridad, desperately pulling on a rope that was wrapped around a column within the performance area. This act was transmitted via live camera feed creating the illusion of Martinez within the miniature tableau.

Salvavida, No Soul For Sale
2009

Caridad is a sacred Latino Caribbean Santa, who is associated with the cherished myth about Cuban fishermen coming upon her statue in tumultuous waters, and her guidance for them towards safety.

Salvavida, No Soul For Sale
2009

Caridad been a rich source that both have referred to in past individual works, therefore making “Salvavida” a harmonious collaborative project for Pérez-Méndez and Martinez.