The Portfolio of Justin Muñoz.
PROJECT.

Puerto Rico :
Diaspora Mural Program

In the summer of 2016, I traveled to Puerto Rico to document a group of artists working to revitalize local communities through public art. This project was a deeply personal journey for me. As part of the Puerto Rican diaspora, it was my first time truly connecting with my heritage and culture on the island. Working with programs like Vive Borikén and Arecibo es 500, I used documentary photography to archive the creation of murals that brought new energy to Rincon and Arecibo.

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PhotographyVideo EditingVideo Production
Go To Project URL https://youtu.be/oHE3fiwx55o?si=5IApscl6GHjeuZS8
Client(s)
Vive Boriken
Arecibo Es 500
Arte O Muerte
Industry
Documentary & Social Impact
My Roles
Photographer
Filmmaker
Software
Adobe Premiere
Adobe Lightroom
Team
New York Artists:
Ralph Serrano, Paulie Nassar, Sarah Serrano, Natalia Zamparini, Albertus Joseph, Ariana Febles, Danielle De Jesus

Puerto Rico Artists:
Paula Danelis, Güillo Cruz, Gustavo Flores (Noishh), Monica Medina, Sandy Muniz, Monica Medina, Ángel David Cordero, Ivette Jessica Tirado, Mina Isabel, Petrosky Art

Special Thanks:
Aimeé Montoya of Vive Borikén - Puerto Rico, Chagy Vargas of Patinetero, Fenando Marquez of 'Arecibo, Mi Calle, Mi Barrio, Mi Pueblo', Ralph Serrano of Arte O Muerte

The Challenge

The primary challenge of this project was balancing the role of an observer with the need for deep personal connection. I had to capture the muralists in their natural creative flow without disrupting their process or being a distraction. My goal was to move beyond simple documentation to create a full and cohesive body of work that told the story of the island's revitalization. This required me to connect with each artist individually to truly understand their spirit. Only by building that trust could I capture portraits that reflected their personal essences and their dedication to the community.

The environment itself was a major factor in how I worked. There was a huge sense of camaraderie and creative fuel between all the artists that quickly became the engine for my own process. While I had to manage the logistics of shooting in places like an indoor skatepark or the historic streets of Arecibo, the bond between the group made the work feel natural. I needed to make sure the final archive did not just show the art, but also the courage and the collective energy it takes to use creativity as a tool for change.

The Outcome

The final outcome was a powerful visual archive that resonated far beyond the local communities in Puerto Rico. By capturing the beauty of the murals and the strong bond between the artists, the work helped bring a new level of awareness to the cultural potential of the island. It served as a call to action for the Puerto Rican diaspora. The project inspired many people to return home and volunteer their own skills to help their communities. The images and the video I produced showed that art can be a catalyst for peace, happiness, and even community revolution.

On a personal level, the project successfully bridged the gap between the artists and the public. It proved that shared creative energy can breathe life back into ghost towns and community centers. The work helped others see the island not just as a destination, but as a place of active growth and inspiration. This project solidified my approach to documentary storytelling. It taught me how to use my lens to capture the spirit of collaboration and helped me find my own place within my culture.

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“Forcing a project to completion, you ruin what was almost ripe.”
- Lao Tzu