Cuban Artists’ Books

Artists’ books are unique works of art that utilize the form or concept of a book as their medium. Unlike traditional books, primarily designed to convey information or tell a story, artists’ books are created as art objects. Yet, they also often convey information through embedded texts. The aesthetic choices made by their creators are influenced by the availability of materials and the sociocultural contexts in which they are produced. Cuban artists’ books are no exception. The US embargo on Cuba, which Cubans call “el bloqueo,” has led to a scarcity of paper and other materials needed for bookmaking. As a result, Cuban bookmakers have innovatively used natural fibers from products such as bananas, tobacco, corn, and garlic to create paper. Doe Library’s collection includes over sixty handmade books by Cuban artisans from innovative publishing houses Ediciones Vigía, Ediciones El Fortín, and Cuadernos Papiro. The books demonstrate the resourcefulness and creativity of artists in overcoming material shortages.

In 1985, in Matanzas, Cuba, Ediciones Vigía was founded by artist Rolando Estévez and poet Alfredo Zaldívar. Vigía is known for its handcrafted, multi-hued publications featuring works by renowned poets, such as Jorge Luis Borges and Federico García Lorca, as well as contributions from writers who represent communities across the globe. The philosophy behind Vigía emphasizes a deep love for art, literature, and poetry and a strong connection to the community. The creators use available materials to craft unique, handmade volumes that foster artistic exchange and showcase the ingenuity and talent of Cuban artists.

El Fortín, founded by Rolando Estévez in 2013, is Cuba’s first independent publishing house focused on artists’ books. Its lighthouse emblem symbolizes guidance and creative freedom. Estévez, a former principal designer at Ediciones Vigía, began this venture with the publication of Dos mujeres y una isla (or Two women and an island) by Ruth Behar and Nancy Morejón. The publishing house’s collections are named after bridges in Matanzas: Puente de Hierro, Puente de la Plaza, Puente Giratorio, and Puente Canímar. El Fortín features works by authors such as José Martí, Dulce María Loynaz, Antón Arrufat, and Agustín Acosta, as well as emerging talents. Cuadernos Papiro, based in Holguín, Cuba, specializes in handcrafted art books. Founded in the 1990s, it started as a workshop producing eco-friendly handmade paper to support local artists. The workshop makes more than forty types of high-quality paper using sustainable methods. In 2000, Cuadernos Papiro acquired vintage American printing presses from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. These presses are used to create limited-edition art books, typically with runs of no more than one hundred numbered copies. Each book is designed by notable artists and printed on handmade paper. Located in a historic building, Cuadernos Papiro is known for its artisanal bookmaking, combining craftsmanship with artistic collaboration to produce unique, collectible works, each accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

Some artists' books are created as three-dimensional art objects. Below are some select items from UC Berkeley Library's Cuban Artists' Books collections that were born three dimensional.