The Journey to Querencia Collection

Querencia is a beloved place. Literally ‘lair, home ground’ (Spanish, from “querer” – to desire, to love; from Latin “quaerere” – to seek) is more than just a place—it is a state of being. It is the sanctuary where we draw strength, where we feel most at home, and where we embrace our truest selves. Querencia can be a homeland, a person, a family, or even a state of mind—where we feel safe, yet also where we are challenged and grow. 

In Spanish tradition, La Querencia refers to the place in a bullring where a wounded bull instinctively retreats—to gather itself, to reclaim its power, to prepare for what comes next. It is a space of both refuge and reckoning. Beyond this origin, querencia speaks to something deeply human: the need to find a place that fortifies us, where we understand who we are, and where we stand firm in our beliefs despite the hardships we face.

In today’s world, our Search for Querencia is more than a longing for home—it is a response to challenge, a call to self-discovery. Journey to Querencia embodies this pursuit, reflecting the struggle, healing, and transformation that define the path toward reclaiming one’s inner strength.

Art Collection

Journey to Querencia is Rachel Baseme’s deeply personal and evocative collection that captures the emotional and spiritual odyssey of a Black multidisciplinary artist and self-taught creator. This body of work reflects Resilience, Self-discovery, and the Pursuit of Healing in a world often marred by struggle and injustice.

At its core, this journey revisits moments of profound adversity—times when pain and chaos seemed overwhelming. Yet, in the midst of darkness, the artist found light: the awareness of self, the power of healing, and the necessity of hope.

Art with a Purpose

Rooted in themes of Human Rights, Women’s Resilience, and Mental Health, Journey to Querencia speaks to those who have ever felt the weight of the world pressing on their soul. It acknowledges the internal battles we fight—whether inflicted by society, circumstances, or the actions of others—and the strength it takes to reclaim peace. This collection is not just the artist’s story; it is ours.

Each piece invites viewers to "feel before they see", to connect with the emotions embedded in the brushstrokes, and to embrace the journey of renewal, self-acceptance, and transformation. Healing is not a linear path—it is a winding road that forces us to confront unhealed wounds, but through that confrontation, we find enlightenment and the power to rewrite our own narratives.

Art That Gives Back

More than a collection of artwork, Journey to Querencia is also a call to action. A portion of every sale directly supports the Panzi Foundation and Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, DRC, where Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege and his team provide life-saving care to survivors of wartime sexual violence.

By experiencing and supporting this project, you are not only engaging with art—you are standing in solidarity with women rebuilding their lives after unimaginable trauma.

This journey is for all of us.