Power/Protection

In this print, two fists in the obscene gesture of the manu fica (fig hands) give power and protection to the multi-colored silhouette of the artist’s own body.

The clenched hands reference small apotropaic charms known as azabache that are worn throughout the Caribbean to deflect harm and ward off el mal de ojo (the evil eye). The inverted manu fica at left transforms into a gesture of self-determination through its resemblance to the Black Power fist. Yet here, the azabaches—usually small and worn around the neck—have grown in proportion to Beltré’s body, suggesting a source of power and protection that comes from within.

Just as these charms have been passed down through the artist’s family to guard them from harm, through this print Beltré extends a “web of protection” to all who view it.