"Our purpose is to observe, learn, grow and love. And then, we return home."
“…Estaba Aquí” means “…Was Here” in Spanish, is a reflection of our past and present time of being. This latrine structure reminds us of Los Jibaritos (the countryman) of Puerto Rico and their lifestyles, and to be reminded that they were and still ARE here.
The poem on the wall is beautiful poem interpretation of what a Puerto Rican is, by Manuel A. Alonso called “El Puertorriqueño” (The Puerto Rican).
Just like the modern bathroom stalls today, from love messages, to “calling cards” to an “I WAS HERE” message, these writings mark time and evokes a human presence that is subjective to the reader.
“…Estaba Aquí” is an interactive piece that allows visitors to enter inside and mark time by writing their own personal messages on the walls.
Color moreno, frente despejada,
mirar lánguido, altivo y penetrante,
la barba negra, pálido el semblante,
rostro enjuto, nariz proporcionada.
Mediana talla, marcha compasada;
el alma de ilusiones anhelante,
agudo ingenio, libre y arrogante,
piensa inquieto, mente acalorada.
Humano, afable, justo, dadivoso,
en empresa de amor siempre variable,
tras la gloria y place siempre afanoso.
Y en amor a su patria insuperable
Este es, a no dudarlo, fiel diseño
para copia un buen puertorriqueño.
by Manuel A. Alonso
“…Estaba Aquí” means “…Was Here” in Spanish, is a reflection of our past and present time of being. This latrine structure reminds us of Los Jibaritos (the countryman) of Puerto Rico and their lifestyles, and to be reminded that they were and still ARE here.
The poem on the wall is beautiful poem interpretation of what a Puerto Rican is, by Manuel A. Alonso called “El Puertorriqueño” (The Puerto Rican).
Just like the modern bathroom stalls today, from love messages, to “calling cards” to an “I WAS HERE” message, these writings mark time and evokes a human presence that is subjective to the reader.
“…Estaba Aquí” is an interactive piece that allows visitors to enter inside and mark time by writing their own personal messages on the walls.
Color moreno, frente despejada,
mirar lánguido, altivo y penetrante,
la barba negra, pálido el semblante,
rostro enjuto, nariz proporcionada.
Mediana talla, marcha compasada;
el alma de ilusiones anhelante,
agudo ingenio, libre y arrogante,
piensa inquieto, mente acalorada.
Humano, afable, justo, dadivoso,
en empresa de amor siempre variable,
tras la gloria y place siempre afanoso.
Y en amor a su patria insuperable
Este es, a no dudarlo, fiel diseño
para copia un buen puertorriqueño.
by Manuel A. Alonso
Memories