Asia Stewart chats with Yali Romagoza, a Cuban-born interdisciplinary artist currently based in Queens, NY.

The two begin by discussing how Yali is settling into her new studio at The Elizabeth Foundation for the Arts (01:43). Then they walk through the birth of her alter ego, Cuquita The Cuban Doll (06:17), and Yali describes how she drew inspiration for Cuquita from the Cuquitas she had cut out from the pages of Mujeres magazine as a child in Cuba.

In the second half of their conversation, Asia and Yali revisit Yali's performance "No me pongan en lo oscuro" (17:25). Then they reflect on being regarded as sculptures or objects when performing in gallery spaces or on the street (24:33). Finally, Yali shares her emotional experience of presenting her recent work "Pain of Cuba, Body I Am" and recounts her dreams of Ana Mendieta (31:58).

You can next see Yali perform on August 3, 2023 in Asbury Park through a series with Siren Arts. She will also have an Open Studio at EFA in Fall 2023. Follow Yali online at www.yaliromagoza.org and on Instagram @cuquitathecubandoll.

You can also watch many of Yali's performances on PerformVu! Head to www.performvu.com

This podcast is produced and edited by Asia Stewart.

Find Asia Stewart online @asiastewart and @performvu