Manabao, a countryside located in the mountains of the Dominican Republic, where it is always spring, is where I took these photos inspired by the project "Hope for Vogue Korea" by one of my favorite photographers, Min Hyun Woo.
I have visited different parts of the country, but when I go to Manabao, I am not in the Dominican Republic. It feels like I'm in a world apart, where there are no problems. A place where, from the moment you arrive, it feels as if the issues and worries are gone, breathing the fresh air and contemplating the green of the trees. Manabao is a well-known place for me. Since I was a child, I have visited it with my family, but in recent years, it has become a sanctuary, a place of peace, and a source of inspiration that makes me feel the necessity to create.
One thing that caught my attention the most was the tiny houses in the countryside. Any are made of wood or blocks with zinc roofs, painted in bright colors, and with gardens full of flowers. Despite being quite humble and lacking the luxuries or comforts to which we might be used, these houses are beautiful, and the most important thing is that they make you feel warm, welcome, and at home. The main characteristic of the people who live in the countryside is that they are pure, especially the ladies I visited for these photos.
The first house I visited was 76-year-old Silin's house. In the countryside, being offered a cup of coffee is a tradition. While we drank coffee, Silin gave me a tour of her beautiful garden, which was full of flowers, and we had a lovely time learning about flowers. After taking pictures, Silin gave us plants and vegetables around her garden.
The second house I visited was that of 78-year-old Cristina. It is one of the houses that has always caught my attention because of the beautiful pink color and the roses in her garden. Cristina also welcomed us with a cup of coffee. Between coffee and some photos, we listened to Cristina talk about her health problems and how she cleans her house daily. It was a short visit, as Cristina has health problems and her whole body is in pain. I didn't want to disturb her, but regardless, we had a pleasant time.
I wanted to photograph the ladies in their everyday lives for these photos. I didn't tell them the exact day I was going to their house so they wouldn't expect me all dressed up, and so I could take the photos in the same clothes they were wearing at the time. I didn't want to make a big production so they wouldn't feel uncomfortable; I wanted it to feel intimate and casual, so I only took pictures with a disposable analog camera, and I made sure to go in the morning time, knowing that I would have good illumination and wouldn't need lights. To add a different touch, I thought of wearing hats, some of which I modified with ribbons and colorful pompoms.
Spending time, talking, drinking coffee, and listening; these simple actions, which may not seem extraordinary, were enough to make them happy. One of the things I have learned from Manabao and its people is that in simplicity lies happiness.
