 is a collection of ten vibrant abstract works by 

 that challenges the long standing narrative that Caribbean history began with Christopher Columbus in 1492. Through bold color, layered symbolism, and contemporary techniques, the series highlights the enduring presence and cultural legacy of the Taíno people.

The collection was created after Mendoza discovered her Puerto Rican and Taíno heritage. This personal exploration of ancestry and identity informs each piece in the series, resulting in a body of work that reflects both cultural rediscovery and historical reflection.

Working on watercolor paper with natural, jagged edges, Mendoza uses spray paint and acrylic paint markers to merge ancient Taíno symbolism with modern urban art practices. This combination creates a visual dialogue between past and present. Her vivid palette references the lush landscapes of Borikén, now known as Puerto Rico, and the surrounding Caribbean, while the contemporary techniques connect the work to current artistic expressions.

The title references the year 1491, the final moment before European colonization altered the cultural and political landscape of the Caribbean. By naming the series 

, Mendoza emphasizes that Taíno culture did not disappear with European contact. Instead, it continues to influence Caribbean identity and heritage today.

Across the collection, circular forms echo celestial Taíno symbols, while flowing lines suggest the rhythms of land and sea central to island life. Intricate patterns layered with bold fields of color represent the complex intersections of history, mythology, and lived experience.

Through this series, Mendoza contributes to an ongoing conversation about Indigenous Caribbean identity and challenges the misconception that Taíno culture vanished after colonization. 

 celebrates cultural resilience, continuity, and the powerful process of personal discovery while inviting viewers to reconsider familiar historical narratives and engage with the living legacy of Taíno culture.

1491: Taíno Alive By Salina Angelique Mendoza (SAM)