Zonia Zena | Along Little Santo Domingo

In 2023, Little Santo Domingo in Miami was added to the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s annual list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. Zonia Zena's Artist as Archivist (A/A) Project focuses on documenting the identity of this community as a way to preserve its cultural history. Through historical images, Zena traces the emergence of Allapattah from agricultural fields to a thriving neighborhood. She juxtaposes these historical photographs with present-day images, illustrating the development of the area and the role people have played in shaping it. This process highlights the importance of preserving such spaces, where the multicultural evidence of various diasporas contributes to the neighborhood’s unique character and individuality.

Zonia Zena is a visual artist and archivist born in Peru and based between Miami Florida and Lima, Peru. Graduated with a BFA in Visual Arts from New World School of the Arts/University of Florida. Recently graduated with a MLIS with concentration in Archives from University of Alabama. A member of WOPHA and Women Photograph. Zonia applies photography as a bridge to speak about personal journeys influenced by her migration experience. A Fulbright recipient in Spain. Her work has been exhibited in Miami, Santiago de Chile and Madrid. Her visual narrative is reflected from biographical experiences and the curiosity to keep exploring, which enrich her consciousness and practice.