Why Antioquia?

We were blinded by ambition when we first began this project. We ignored the time and resource constraints in favor of including our whole country. There are corners here we wish we could explore, people we wish we could talk to.

However, once we met with experts in the area, we realized we needed to focus on a specific area of the country if we wished to bring this project to fruition. And so, we thought, what place do we know better than our home?

Antioquia is a gorgeous and diverse department, where the beaches in Necoclí to the cobblestoned streets in Jardín pulsate with the kindness and warmth of its people.

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Courtesy of María Valencia

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Tackling a project such as this, however, calls for research and learning. We needed to focus on target communities, understand their history, and treat them with respect.

As our project expanded, we realized marginalization is deeply rooted in Colombia's history. We analyzed historical trends and realized it's been a tendency since the times of the conquista, the conquest. Ever since Spaniards came to colonize, native populations were pushed aside. The history of our country progresses and so does violence. Societies are stratified, prizing the foreign over the native. The period of La Violencia is not better, as campesino and outlier communities are targeted and forced to relocate.

Therefore, we decided, we would focus on these outlier communities in Antioquia. We have placed a heavy emphasis on campesino and indigenous communities, particularly in Jardín. We also have contacted communities in Santa Elena and Santa Rosa de Osos, to visibilize their craft and way of life.

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Courtesy of Emilio Fajardo

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Campesino way of life is something that is dying due to many factors. Gentrification, rising costs, and irresponsible tourism are all aspects that are forcing relocation and different employment hunts. To simply put it, it's a dying art, caused by the fact that it's not profitable any longer.

Antioquia is our home. Although born and raised in the city, it's a place that has always filled us with pride. Our parents have always spoken about Antioquia with the highest esteem. They've taken us to the furthermost corners of our department, teaching us to admire every profession, from the campesino who makes their living selling artisan coffee, to the high-ranking businessman or doctor. They've taught us how to view the world with love and respect, establishing an unbreakable connection between us and our motherland.

So, why Antioquia? Because we wish everyone sees this little corner of the world with the same respect and admiration we do. We wish everyone supports local communities so campesino and indigenous practices are not lost to time. We wish these communities to remain at home, content and empowered by knowing nothing can draw them out.

It's a dream that can clearly take a while to become reality. But it's a dream we're willing to fight for. It's our dream that everyone can see Antioquia through our eyes and understand, why Antioquia.