The Art of Ediciones Vigia: Handmade Books from Cuba

September 19 – November 18, 2007

On display are over 50 books published by Ediciones Vigia, or Vigia Press, an “editorial collective” which began in the mid-1980s in Mantanzas, Cuba.  The books, usually made in small editions of 200 copies, are collaborative works between Cuban artists, artisans and writers.  Vigia Press provides a ‘semi-official’ publishing venue outside government controlled publishing entities.  Noted contemporary Cuban writers such as Nancy Morejon, Ruth Behar and Senel Paz have contributed their work to Vigia Press.  These creative works utilize natural and recycled materials such as twigs, leaves, dried flowers, brown craft paper, and twine.  The books are on loan from Associate Professor Linda S. Howe, Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC.  This book exhibit is part of the multi-month conference, “Afro-Cuba at the Crossroads: Arts, Culture, History,” organized by Art History faculty member Professor Henry Drewal.  Professor Howe will present a talk, “Ediciones Vigia: The Cultural Politics of Bookmaking in Cuba,” in the Kohler Art Library on September 21, from 4:00-05:00 pm.  The exhibit is on view in the Kohler Art Library from September 19-November 18, 2007.

Curated by Linda Howe, Lyn Korenic, and Keisha Simpson.

Image:  from Ediciones Vigia