This project was a “shop drop,” where an artist leaves behind an object in a place of commerce that speaks to some level of social engagement. At the time I’d been reading Harvest of Empire: A History of Latinos in America by Juan González for a class. I wanted to communicate the harmful history and alliterative innocent washing of the company Chiquita Bananas to consumers. The idea was this produce sticker would be placed and make viewers question, “United Fruit Company,” and feel curious enough to engage with the art by looking up the words, to unveil the dark history of this company and how it’s contribution in imperialism. Chiquita Bananas is the reason the political term “banana republic,” exists. The title for this piece, El Pulpo, comes from the reputation of the company-latinos referred to it as “el pulpo,” or, the octopus, referencing the many hands government and industry had around their country’s land and politics.
Adriana's Art Studio 