Judith Sandoval

Artist Statement


Ritual of Rhythm

Festival de San Juan
de las
Curbatas y Son

Festival of San Juan
of the
Drums and Dance

Curipe, Venezuela, 2006

In August 2006, in the pueblo of Curiepe, Venezuela, the famed Festival de San Juan erupted in vibrant color. The Festival celebrates the Curbatas, the drums, and the Son, a dance. As the complex rhythms pulsated, the community danced in the streets, creating the Ritual of Rhythm.

As an artist, I listen, photograph, and tell stories hidden in the shadows. And long after the Curbatas were silent, I sent the photographs of the Ritual of Rhythm to the Community of Curiepe, as an offering to honor their beauty, dancing and stories of healing.

Judith Williams Sandoval
November 21, 2007