Meet Mildred Roman | Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mildred Roman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mildred, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I would definitely say first and foremost my family. Most of my work is a reflection of my childhood and how I grew up. I enjoy reliving those moments and using them as inspiration, especially being raised in a Hispanic household. So many people can relate to those similar experiences and I think between the memories, the work and the connections it all comes full circle.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My work centers deeply on themes of connection and identity. I am a Puerto Rican woman born off the island where my grandparents were born. I’ve always carried the traditions and honored the culture, but for a long time, I felt undeserving, like an imposter.

Before I began painting professionally, I was chasing an invisible dream: invisible because I didn’t yet know what I truly wanted or what that dream looked like because I wasn’t sure where I belonged. I just knew I had something important to say, and I needed people to hear it. Painting became my language. my way of making the unseen visible. Not just for myself, but for others who are still trying to find their voice in a space of cultural dysphoria.

This journey of self-discovery and healing continues to fuel my art. It’s how I process, connect, and find light in the shadows.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There’s so many amazing Hispanic places in Jersey City! But if I’m being honest, I’m pretty simple. For breakfast, I like a grilled ham and cheese sandwich and a bodega coffee right from the corner store.

Theres alot of beautiful places to hangout at, but for me it’s the people. Not so much the places. There are alot of us boricuas in Jersey city. And anytime there’s a Latin night, a salsa night or a freestyle night- that’s where you wanna be.

And if you’re thinking food, I’m not gonna lie there’s some cool places, but I would say just come to my house and let me and my mom cook for you, ha. It’s the most authentic Puerto Rican food you’ll get.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
To all of my family, friends and supporters! I wouldn’t be doing what I love without every single one of them in my corner.

Instagram: Mildredrroman