Heaven Portrait of Raymon Pantoja by Mikel Elam

From Lisa Espinosa, Raymond’s mother: Raymond J. Pantoja is a beloved son; father, brother, grandson, nephew and friend. Raymond known as R. J. to his family was tragically taken from his family on April 10, 2016 at age 26 by a senseless act of gun violence. R.J. went to intervene to stop an altercation of a friend and was physically attacked by multiple persons and shot once. He died a hero.

Raymond, a native Cruzan was born in the beautiful island of St. Croix on May 4, 1989. Music was one of his biggest passions. So much so that he wrote about what he saw in urban communities and would create lyrics and entwined them with music producing several songs.  He was a great conversationalist and loved to make people feel wonderful and that they were loved. Raymond would love to make people laugh and never really seemed to ever see the evilness of the world. So much so that he lost his life helping another human being.  “Raymond, our R.J, we were blessed to have you for 26 beautiful years. Your existence equated love. As stated since the moment you were born and will continue after death, “I love you infinity plus infinity and beyond and forever and ever my baby you’ll be”! Raymond’s death will create a difference for future generations to bring change to failing systems that exist in our nation. His death will not be in vain. R.J. was here, he lived, he loved and he will always be loved.

R.J. favorite sayings:

If no one told you they love you today, I love you!

At the darkest times is when the stars shine the brightest.

Personal music lyric: Yigadoe

Greatest love: His daughter, Johanna Evette Pantoja – Nazario

From the artist Mikel Elam: As a victim of street violence a few years ago, this exhibition captured my attention immediately. I survived my attack. Raymond Pantoja did not. His mother and the rest of his family carry a symbolic torch in memory of this talented young man whose earthly form should still be with us today. Instead one senseless act of violence yet again has taken a precious life from us. A life full of promise. A life of hopes and dreams.

From the curator:This is actually a small diptych by Mikel with the rich surfaces and textures typical of his work. That plus the two views we have of Raymond’s face make it an immersive experience.

Heaven Portrait of Raymond Pantoja by Mikel Elam mixed media on canvas 16.5” x 23” 2017