Lisette Correa (better known to her fans as Arrrtaddict) describes herself as a muralist, apparel designer, graphic designer, branding genius, and proud member of the LGBTQ and Puerto Rican communities. In August of 2021, Arrrtaddict answered some questions for the Atlanta Street Art Map:
Please summarize the highlights of your journey from childhood in Ft. Lauderdale to present day Atlanta?
Having lived in the top major cities in the United States has impacted my career in several ways.
Ft. Lauderdale being my hometown and foundation gave me my roots into my Culture. My house was very Puerto Rican down and being raised around other Caribbean people in south Florida made me feel so represented. It was like living on a little dirty south Caribbean island. New York taught me how to hustle. It taught me “closed mouths don’t get fed” and to go after everything I want! Los Angeles made me a career driven woman while still being able to walk into that world and be me. Often the career world can make people alter their identity while in the office. Me coming into the office dressed the way I do and being exactly who I am honestly drove my career more. I broke boundaries and when it came to what I was good at, street wear and fast fashion. I was a walking billboard or portfolio proving I was embedded in the culture. Atlanta is where all my lessons where able to flourish. My art thrives here because at the end of the day my roots are in the south and my culture and wanting more for my People of color is better understood here in the way that I translate it. Also I never want to live in a city who doesn’t play Outkast or dancehall on the radio on the regular again! Lol
Who is Mr. Smiley Dude?
Mr. Smiley Dude was my first tags that got me started in street art. He was this Grimey looking smiley face with a motto of “Just Fckn Smile”. I have always admired juxtaposition. To have this grimey face making people smile is what life is to me. Sometimes it gets really hard but you really have to keep smiling and pushing to make it through. There literally is always a light at the end of the tunnel.
Why did you transition from Black and White to Color?
I started practicing lucumí. In lucumí the Orishas are represented with bright colors. White is worn as protection. When doing rituals you are told not to wear black as it attracts negativity and that really resonated with me. I realized that at that time my life was very black and white down to my wardrobe and home decor. While it was fashion forward and chic it was also depressing. Adding color in my life brought joy. I learned about color therapy and applied to everything including my art. My life really changed after that.
Your recent installation on the Beltline titled “Somos Borincanos” features the Taino People, the original inhabitants of Puerto Rico and much of the Caribbean. What would you like Beltline users to take away from your artwork?
First and foremost the truth! For centuries we have been taught lies in books. I want people to understand that the Taino’s which actually means Good People were in the Carribean first. Not just in Puerto Rico but they were in Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti and Jamaica as well. I want them to understand that Christopher Columbus didn’t find anything. It was already found and his people murdered, slaved and raped this beautiful, good tribe. Secondly I want them to understand the impact that Taino’s still have on American Culture today. Many of the words we currently use are from Taino language and culture. For example Hurakán which today is Hurricane, was a Taino Cemi known as the “god of the storm”. There are many more that will be displayed on the website that is linked to the QR code on the mural for people to learn more about Taino’s. Third I want them to know that Taino’s are not extinct ! We are still alive and through DNA testing we are all discovering our roots are here today in us as well as in our hearts. We too were taught that we didn’t exist but we are learning that we do and we are taking our power back as well as spreading our history and culture with the world. This is just the beginning! Fourth I want people to just feel the love and beauty that came from this tribe. This is how the people of Puerto Rico still are! Beautiful, Loving, Good People.
What do you like about murals?
Community is such a big part of mural painting. I am able to build with artist who assist me and see how the art is directly speaking to the local people in the area I am painting. I get to meet these people and build temporary bonds that sometimes like my community in NODA through my work for Salud Cerverceria turn permanent. Being able to be the reason people smile due to my bright colors or evoke emotions or learn history like my “Somos Borincanos” mural let’s me know I am doing the work my ancestors want me to do. I’m just trying to leave a mark that will evoke change in every community I lay a brush stroke on.
Please tell the readers a little bit about your brand work
I have created a few branding elements you can find within my work. Leopard print which is fun, wild and really represents my little revolutionary heart. Vibrant colors for healing and happiness. Plants which represent growth. Last I always illustrate POC in various vibrant colors versus our natural skin color. I do this because society focus too much on black and white versus the vibrancy of our culture. Even within communities we use colorism to divide us versus bringing us together. Through bright colors I highlight how bright we shine as people from the inside out.
Anything else you would like the readers to know?
I’m gearing up for a solo show in spring of next year. It will be my first and I’m extremely excited to share myself on a more personal level through art with Atlanta.
Link to Arrrtaddict’s website: https://www.arrrtaddict.com/
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