*Author Lucas Rivera at Santa Monica College's Malibu campus on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, in Malibu, CA (Nicholas McCall | The Corsair)*

Through his work, Lucas Rivera has been able to bring communities together. Rivera believes that while we might not always be able to change minds, we can try and change hearts. He said, “I want people to feel so that they can understand.”

On Feb. 28, Lucas Rivera held a performance featuring poetry from his book “My AfroRican State of Soul'', on the Malibu campus at Santa Monica College (SMC). Rivera, an Afro-Puerto Rican artist and Philadelphia native, has been able to feature the different parts of his identity and culture through his painting, poetry, music, and dance. Rivera holds a Master of Fine Arts in drama and dance teacher education.

Rivera’s poems recount his childhood in Philadelphia and the Bronx; the cities that he grew up in, which ultimately shaped him into the artist he is today. Rivera has showcased all sides of his identity and has used art to express himself. When speaking on the impact, Rivera said he hopes his art will allow people to see all parts of him.

Diving further into why art and identity connect, he reminds others that “there’s art in the way we dress, there’s art in the way we speak, there’s art in the way we put on makeup, and do our hair.” Rivera also mentions the history of African Tribes and Native American communities who have been known to adorn their hair and bodies for various reasons, including self-expression.

When speaking of his creative process, Rivera said, “I go through a series of dialogues with myself.” Through this process, he thinks about what message he wants to send through his art, as well as the purpose behind it.

As an example, Rivera talks about one of his projects, a set of paintings titled “Yo Soy and I Am,” which represents both his African and Puerto Rican roots. Both pieces took inspiration from his book “My AfroRican State of Soul,” as well as his experiences as a Black man.

Rivera discussed one of the reasons why he thinks it’s important to showcase his culture and identity through his art. “One of the things that I’ve been extremely passionate about is bringing thousands of people together to experience a feeling. To experience art from their people, from their community,” said Rivera.

Rivera pointed out that black, indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC) artists have been able to carve a place for themselves in small communities and that’s one of the reasons why he continues to create art. Whether it’s through an art piece or a poem, he hopes to continue to inspire and bring communities together.

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