Echoes of Resilience: Navigating Identity and Artistry with Mara Torres González
In this episode of Rising Together, we sat down with Mara Torres González, a gallerist, curator, and artist from Puerto Rico. The conversation delves into Mara’s experiences following Hurricane Maria, and how it shaped her perspective as both a person and an artist.
As Mara settled into the artistic community of Sarasota, Florida, she candidly shares the hurdles she faced as a Puerto Rican living in the U.S. While the city boasts a mosaic of cultures and backgrounds, Mara sheds light on the stark realities of being a Latin artist in a predominantly non-Latin environment. In recounting her journey, Mara offers a compelling narrative that underscores the resilience and creativity. Her experiences serve as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and recognition faced by marginalized communities, both within the art world and beyond.
Meet the Guest
Mara Torres González (she/her)
Gallerist, Curator of the Artist
Mara Torres González is a visionary visual artist, born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and currently based in Sarasota, Florida. Mara’s artistic journey commenced at the age of four when she embarked on formal training at the prestigious Students Art League, Liga de Arte de San Juan, in Old San Juan. Here, she crossed paths with the influential artist professor Betsy Padín, who would later become her mentor and play a pivotal role in shaping her artistic trajectory. After graduating from high school with an Art Honor Award and earning certification from the Puerto Rican Institute for the Development of the Arts (PRIDA), Mara continued her pursuit of artistic excellence at the School of Fine Arts and Design of Puerto Rico, (Escuela de Artes Plásticas), graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in fine arts and painting. During her studies, Mara had the privilege of learning from esteemed artist professors such as Rafael Rivera Rosa, Carlos Marcial, Luis Felipe López, Julio Suárez, Charles Juhasz, and Elizam Escobar.
In 2001, Mara embarked on her entrepreneurial journey by establishing her first design business, which evolved into one of Puerto Rico’s premier event design firms over the course of 18 years. Notable highlights of her career include a collaboration with celebrity event designer Preston Bailey in 2017, hosting an international event with guests from 12 countries. She also designed the wedding of NBA player José Juan Barea and Miss Universe Puerto Rico Viviana Ortiz.
The trajectory of Mara’s life took a drastic turn on September 20, 2017, when Hurricane María ravaged Puerto Rico. This life-altering event prompted Mara to document the aftermath, humanitarian crisis, and the resilient spirit of the Puerto Rican people. The experience inspired her acclaimed 209 series, which debuted on the one-year anniversary of the hurricane in 2018. Five years later, on September 20, 2022, Mara celebrated the publication of her first book titled, 209, marking the culmination of her dedication to capturing and sharing the stories of resilience, with a book signing event at Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design.
In 2020, Mara expanded her artistic footprint by establishing MARA Art Studio and Gallery in Sarasota, Florida. Here, she collaborates with local and international artists, and local organizations such as Art in Common Places, Ringling College of Art and Design, New College of Florida, Mosaic Movements, and HALO Arts Project. Mara is particularly passionate about supporting underrepresented Latin and women artists, striving to elevate their voices and narratives.
Mara’s mixed media works are found in galleries and private collections across Puerto Rico, México, Europe, Canada, and the United States. Her work serves as a powerful medium to tell stories and evoke emotions in viewers. Her artistry is a testament to her commitment to using her career and work as a compelling voice for the underrepresented, ensuring that their stories resonate on a global scale.
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Further Resources
Explore Mara’s book, 209, which documents the aftermath of Hurricane Maria:
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