Untitled (Crucified Albizu)

2006
Acrylic on Burlap
72" x 39 1/2"

Ay como lo escupieron
Como lo empujaron
Como lo llevaron a crucificar

-excerpt from "El Todopoderoso", Hector LaVoe, Willie Colón

This “crucified Albizu”, as I call it, is a "study" for an upcoming series. More on that later….

With regards to the imagery in this particular piece, the bright light, of course representing the celestial light as seen in most depictions of the crucifixion of Jesus is actually a reference to the radiation experiments conducted on Albizu. These doses of radiation were secretly administered to him by the government in the form of bright white or multicolored lights that would flash in his cell, while in federal prison and in his hospital room. Albizu suffered from excruciatingly painful burns, attacks and seizures as a result of these experiments. The perspective of the painting is meant to place his legs and feet in the foreground so that the viewer can see the burns. Many photographs exist of Albizu's burns, particularly on his legs and feet.

Visit the other portraits of Pedro Albizu Campos in the political gallery for more information on the father of Puerto Rican Nationalism.