16 Marigolds (Diamond) Portrait of Diamond Santiago by Lauren Vargas
From Mildred, Diamond’s mother: On May 29th 2015, my daughter Diamond went to visit her father. That night she was shot. This was the day where our lives change. I remember receiving a phone call at 11 pm telling me she was in the operating room and might not make it through. I was in shock and couldn’t believe this was happening. She was in a coma for three weeks. However, our Lord didn’t abandon her and she survived. She went through various surgeries. She’s such a strong girl. As of today, she’s still trying to move forward and it’s horrible. She continues to have nightmares and suicidal thoughts. It has been a rough journey. But the way she continues to fight, I continue to walk by her side. To support her and remind her that she’s a blessing and that she will get better.
From the artist Lauren Vargas: Diamond has been my friend for just over a year now. For some reason, she decided to trust me with the details of her being shot the very first time I met her at a Young Life camp. To me, I see evidence of God working in this world through her. She is compassionate to everyone, inclusive of all, and lives out of love. She sees the best in other young people who the world would easily write off as apathetic or addicted. In spite of regular ongoing health issues from the gunshot wounds, she strives to do well in school (she's a junior in high school) and stay involved in her community. Diamond, thank you for allowing me to paint your portrait and for sharing your story with us - I love you!
From the curator: This is an extraordinary portrait of an extraordinary young woman. Those of you who have been privileged to hear her speak at various programs the Souls Shot Portrait Project has participated in know that she is incredibly brave and strong. Lauren’s choice of the marigold imagery, symbolizing good luck and one for each of her years at the time the portrait was made, creates a swirling atmosphere around Diamond. She emerges from the giant flower in the background, blossoming. She chose to wear the outfit she would be shown in which exposes the site of the gunshot wounds and scars from numerous and ongoing surgeries. She at once represents her ebullient strength of spirit and the fragility of her human self. She is a flower nourished by her sense of purpose to speak out for victims like herself and those who can no longer speak.
16 Marigolds (Diamond) Portrait of Diamond Santiago by Lauren Vargas oil, acrylic, spray paint, and paper collage on canvas 30” x 48” 2018
