Puerto Rico was one of Spain’s last colonies, although it only got to enjoy independence for 48 hours before becoming a territory of the United States, which it remains to this day. This island, strategically positioned for controlling traffic in the Atlantic Ocean and home to three military bases, was dubbed the “Pearl of the Atlantic” by its new proprietors as part of a propaganda campaign to tout the many advantages of being associated with a great new empire. The strategic “rich port” or puerto rico that welcomed the galleons of the Spanish Treasure Fleet back when the island’s name was changed from Borinquen now receives colossal Royal Caribbean cruise ships. 

Using videos and images from the Archivo General de Puerto Rico and my own recordings, I put together a series of pieces about different local landscapes with connotations of armed conflict, financial investment and tourist-friendly paradise, all under the umbrella of the terrible definition of the island’s status: “a territory appurtenant and belonging to, but not a part of the United States.”

This project was produced with the support of Beta Local.

© Fotografías de Tomashko.