For more than ten years, artist Vanessa Vega has worked to keep Puerto Rican culture alive in Philadelphia through art. What began as a project alongside her sister has grown into a cultural platform that educates, connects, and strengthens the community.
Vanessa, born and raised in Philadelphia with family in Puerto Rico, created Taina Sisters with the purpose of representing Puerto Rico’s history and culture, using art as an educational tool. Her work not only celebrates music and traditions but also explores historical aspects that are often not taught in schools.
Roots that inspire and educate
“Part of finding yourself is knowing where you come from, your roots. You have to do that, you must explore so you can grow and expand your mind,” Vanessa explains, sharing how historical research became a source of inspiration for her artwork.
Through her paintings, she highlights figures such as the Young Lords, activists who fought for the rights of Latino communities in the United States, as well as representations of Taíno culture, salsa musicians, and traditional symbols like the Puerto Rican pava hat. “There are many people I know who don’t know this history,” she says, emphasizing the importance of educating both Boricuas and people from other cultures to show that “we are connected.”
Her artistic vision gained even more momentum during the recent Super Bowl, when she embraced the excitement surrounding Bad Bunny to create the well-known “casita” as part of a special installation in Philadelphia. Inspired by the artist’s cultural impact and the message in his music, Vanessa organized an event that celebrated both the singer and Puerto Rican identity, using the moment as a platform to educate and unite the community.
A communitarian open space
Currently, the art installation remains open to the public on weekends Friday, Saturday, and Sunday under a “Pay as you wish” model. In other words, each visitor can contribute whatever they are able. “If you want to donate and help, or if you don’t have the resources, this is to help the community. You’re invited,” Vanessa says.
The space offers a complete cultural experience. In addition to the installation, visitors can purchase art prints, pins, stickers, and other souvenir items. There is also an online shop featuring prints, pins, and soon masks and small 3D houses created by her sister in North Carolina. “We’re always working on something. You must stay in motion,” she adds.
Vanessa has also created murals across the city, including one titled Never Forget Where You Come From, a message that captures her artistic and community mission. Inspired by cultural leaders such as Iris Brown, who planted in her the seed to learn and value her heritage, Vanessa continues to create spaces where identity is not divided. “You can be proud of your roots and still be here in Philadelphia. You can have both. You don’t have to choose one side,” she says.
Taina Sisters is not just an art project; it is a bridge between generations and cultures. It is an open invitation to learn, reflect, and strengthen pride in who we are and where we come from.
The Philadelphia community is invited to visit the installation, support local talent, and not miss the opportunity to experience this unique cultural space. Supporting locals means investing in our history, our identity, and our future.
From here, we say: Support Local!
Learn more about Taina Sisters on Instagram: @tainasisters. Tours: Friday 2:00pm–6:00pm, Saturday 1:00pm–5:00pm, Sunday 12:00pm–4:00pm. 317 W Leigh Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19133. Email: vvegastreetart@gmail.com