Resilience, Reflection, and Reclamation

The Marvin K. Peterson Library at the University of New Haven is pleased to present the art of Mr. Hector (Bori) Rodriguez.

Born in Puerto Rico, Rodriguez’s artistic journey is deeply rooted in resilience, transformation, and a profound sense of self-discovery. His path to creativity was not traditional—growing up with minimal exposure to art, it was only during a life-altering period of incarceration that he first discovered the power of art as both escape and expression.

At just twenty-one, faced with the harsh realities of a life sentence, Rodriguez turned to art as a lifeline—an outlet for survival, introspection, and healing. Through the years, his art evolved from simple coping mechanisms to a vibrant, intentional exploration of themes that are both deeply personal and universally relevant.

His work delves into the intersections of mental health, incarceration, and eco-feminism, often using recycled materials to create pieces that speak to the cycles of decay and renewal in both the environment and the human spirit. Nature plays a central role in Rodriguez’s art, symbolizing both his connection to his roots and the cherished memories of his mother, whose presence lingers in his work as a guiding force.

This exhibit invites viewers to witness Rodriguez's journey—a powerful narrative of endurance, reinvention, and the redemptive force of art. Through his eyes, we explore the complex legacies of trauma and the possibility of healing, all while challenging the conventions of what art can do in times of adversity. In addition to Rodriguez’s physical exhibit, the digital exhibit focuses on themes of mass incarceration, mental health, and life in the carceral state.

For more information about Hector, his story and artwork, please visit his website.

*Content Warning: Pieces in this digital exhibit reflect the realities of living and working in prison and include depictions of violence, suicide, and sexual assault.