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Celebrating Aunties: Sculptural Creations by Natalia Diaz-Jackson
- Natalia Diaz-Jackson
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 18 hours ago
While exploring the mystical sculptures of Natalia Diaz-Jackson, my Caribbean lineage was awakened by the description of the sculptures. They are called "Aunties!" I invited a few of the Aunties to the garden of our magazine. Their beauty is intriguing, and the context of their stories adds texture to their creation. Gate open. - Victorine
Artist Statement
Aunty is a deferential title universally given to loved matron figures across cultures. Drawing on the traditions of Madama, Mamman, and Mammy/Mother archetype dolls found throughout the Caribbean, the Americas, and West Africa, Natalia has re-envisioned this craft in her series, Aunties.
Her inspiration stems from her family’s traditions of doll-making and storytelling, which are rooted in Puerto Rico through craft and fortune-telling, and have been carried forward to New York. This lineage runs through her grandmother, mother, aunts, cousins, and uncles. Today, she continues it in Boerum Hill, Clinton Hill, Coney Island, and the East Village.
Her work contributes to the feminine side of traditionalism and visual arts, blending the ancient with the contemporary to highlight the timelessness of culture.
The Guardian
The Guardian is adorned with pearlized beads and evil eye beads across her chest, leaving her partially nude. She wears a feathered, beaded halo headdress inscribed with NEW YORK. The halo’s right side features iridescent details, symbolizing her expressive side, bringing beauty into the world. Her right hand points with a black feather, almost like a wand.
The left side of her halo is sequined and dark, representing receptive guidance and downloads from the collective. In her left hand, she holds a string of purple coral shells. She carries both water and air elements. As the first of the Aunties: Family Weaver series, she embodies the role of guardian.
Materials: Cotton, semi-precious stones, beads, feathers, colored pencil, pen, polyfill, metal cone trellis, jewelry, poster board. Interior crystals: amethyst, black tourmaline, carnelian, tiger’s eye, rose quartz, sodalite.
Status: Not for sale
Please note the Madama dolls in the background. They were traditionally made by Natalia’s late grandmother, Natalia Alvarado. These vintage, handmade pieces are also available for showing.
Madame C. Little (Lady of the Loving Hands in the center background)
Madame C. Little is regal, with a feather crown, ceramic halo, and pearl tears embedded with evil eye beads. She wears gold “baby” earrings in an old-school New York jewelry style. Her name nods to Chicken Little, a character who gave away her power instead of trusting her discernment.
Her full name is Madame C. Little and a Bad Case of the False Inerts. The hope is that she awakens from inertia and recognizes her true power.
Materials: Cotton, semi-precious stones, beads, feathers, acrylic paint, polyfill, metal cone trellis, pins, styrofoam, ceramic jewelry, and metal jewelry. Interior crystals: amethyst, black tourmaline, carnelian, tiger’s eye
Lady of the Ether
(flanked by Lady of the loving hands, Artist, Natalia Diaz-Jackson, and Madame Humilde)
Lady of the Ether, the third sculpture in the series, holds a Black & Mild cigar in homage to Natalia’s grandmother. Her left eye is activated, symbolizing thought and receiving from the ether as she smokes.
Her confetti-like dress suggests celebration. Her left hand forms the sign language symbol for love, and her third eye and wrists are adorned with beads.
Materials: Cotton, lace, semi-precious stones, beads, acrylic paint, sage, polyfill, metal cone trellis, jewelry, cigar, pins, cowrie shell.
VIDEO: My own Gitana dolls (sculptures). 🌸 Traditional soft sculpture with a twist! Madamas and Gitanas
Natalia L. Diaz-Jackson is a Brooklyn-based artist and veteran school teacher with over 20 years of experience in education and community work. Alongside her teaching, she has developed a practice in sculpture and soft doll making that bridges ancestral memory with contemporary expression.
Her maternal grandmother, Natalia Alvarado, was a seamstress and doll maker in Puerto Rico whose creativity and resourcefulness continue to guide Diaz-Jackson’s work. Building on this lineage, she created the Aunties series, where hand-sewn figures embody protection, wisdom, and presence within community life.
Diaz-Jackson’s work is rooted in New York City, including Boerum Hill, Clinton Hill, Coney Island, and the East Village, while drawing on family stories, timeless traditions, and the urban experience. Her practice moves in community, always centering storytelling, cultural continuity, and the reimagining of tradition in a modern urban context.
Contact:
Natalia L. Diaz-Jackson
Phone: 917-459-7582
Instagram: @NataliaDiazJackson | @MadamaDeLasMuñecas
Facebook: facebook.com/natalialouisejackson
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