Introduction: From Cartonera to Cordel: Aesthetics of the Caribbean and Latin American Book Art

This exhibition showcases the ingenuity of the Caribbean and Latin American publishers and artists who create exquisite works of literary art by repurposing materials that might otherwise end up in landfills. Each of these exceptional books, held in the collections at the UC Berkeley Library, reflects the unique viewpoints of its creators and publishers, allowing visitors to discover or rediscover the lesser-known traditions of the upcycling movement in the region and the folkloric aesthetics of book art. The exhibition is divided into four sections, each highlighting a different approach to conveying literary and visual aesthetics. The sections focus on Handcrafted artists’ books from innovative publishing houses in Cuba, fine letterpress books from a remarkable workshop in Mexico, carton books representing several Latin American countries, and literature de cordel chapbooks from northeastern Brazil. Each section can be enjoyed individually or in conjunction with the others. Visitors are encouraged to explore and reflect on these diverse expressions of cultural heritage. Here is the planned exhibit layout.