BAM: Mercedes, Part 1

Dec 4

Written By DAB

Installation on view:
December 3–8, 2024

Artist:
Modesto Flako Jimenez

Location:
BAM Fisher
321 Ashland Pl
Brooklyn, NY

*Exploring Community, Memory, and Mental Health at BAM: Mercedes, Part 1*

Mental health, caregiving, and cultural legacy converge in Mercedes, Part 1, a powerful multidisciplinary installation by Modesto Flako Jimenez. Running from December 3–8, 2024, at BAM’s Fishman Space, this deeply personal project honors Jimenez’s grandmother, Mercedes, while addressing the larger societal issues of mental health stigma, caregiver rights, and community support within the Latin diaspora.

Mercedes, Part 1 presents a recreation of the Bushwick home where Mercedes, a Dominican matriarch, nurtured her grandson after his migration to the United States. The immersive set, designed by Michael Minaham, encapsulates a lifetime of resilience and care, with poignant details like old family pictures, cook books, and diaries, as well as Mercedes’ naturalization papers on display. This simple yet profound artifact underscores the immense weight a single piece of paper can carry — symbolizing her journey to citizenship and the impact she had on her family and community.

Actors portraying Mercedes’ family members guide visitors through the installation, creating an engaging experience. As they prompt attendees to open drawers, examine details, and ask questions, they bring the space to life with stories and context. Visitors are given name tags to foster a homey environment where everyone feels connected and welcomed into Mercedes’ personal space. This interactive element blurs the lines between audience and family, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the intimate recreation of her home.

As Mercedes battled dementia, Jimenez stepped into the role of her primary caregiver, an experience that laid bare the emotional and logistical challenges families face when navigating mental health crises. Through this lens, Mercedes, Part 1 emphasizes dementia not as an individual affliction but as a collective one, deeply affecting families and communities. It captures the shrinking worlds of those with dementia — where loneliness often results from loved ones retreating out of fear or sadness — and the toll it takes on caregivers who often neglect their own needs.

A pivotal part of the experience is a documentary screening, where Jimenez and other caregivers from the Latin community share their stories of loving and supporting family members with dementia. These firsthand accounts shed light on the stigma that prevents many from seeking help, even when resources are available. Jimenez reflects on this dynamic with stark honesty, recounting that many caregivers don’t even realize they qualify for support, such as free therapy through Medicaid.

“They gave us the United States; what else can we ask for?” Jimenez says, articulating a common sentiment in immigrant communities where asking for help feels taboo. His candid statement, “Dude, you can Google this,” underscores the frustration and heartbreak of watching caregivers remain isolated and unaware of their rights due to cultural stigmas around mental health and self-care.

*Photography by Steven Molina Contreras*

After the documentary screening in the immersive set, Mercedes, Part 1 culminates in a healing room — a participatory space inviting visitors to reflect, create, and connect. Curated by Cricket Brown, this room offers a chance for attendees to process their experiences and engage with others, fostering a sense of shared understanding and community.

This ambitious work is directed by Brisa Areli Muñoz and brought to life through the contributions of an exceptional creative team. Sound design by Drew Weinstein, lighting by Megan Lang, and video projections by Juan “Wamoo” Alvarez and Victor Morales enhance the sensory depth of the production.

Supported by institutions like the Guggenheim Foundation, Dementia Spring, and Princeton’s Lewis Center for the Arts, Mercedes, Part 1 underscores the potential of art to bridge personal narratives and universal themes.

Performances run from December 3–8, 2024, at BAM Fisher’s Fishman Space. Tickets start at $25 and are available through BAM’s website. This experience is recommended for audiences aged 13 and older.

As Jimenez unlocks the doors of Mercedes’ home, he invites us to confront difficult truths about memory, mental health, and the power of caregiving. In Mercedes, Part 1, art becomes both a mirror and a balm — a way to reflect on the past while healing the present.

Visit Mercedes, Part 1 at BAM through December 8th and let us know your thoughts!