Pa’lante: A Brief History of the Young Lords
This book is an appropriation of Jorge Luis Borges’s magical realist short story “Museum: On Exactitude in Science,” in which the ‘empire’ of the original text has been re-imagined in relation to the history of the Puerto Rican civil rights group, The Young Lords Organization.
This new contextualization allows for The Young Lords to act as a metaphor for the rise and inevitable fall of Borges’ empire. Photographs of the group as well as written English and Spanish text are included in order to provide historical context and accompany the illustrations that tell Borge’s story.
Design Process
The design aesthetic of this book is inspired by the post-war printmaking processes of German Expressionist artists– emulated here through ink drawings and linoleum-cut prints. Featured bellow are process images for two of the Illustrations selected for the final book.
“The Height of the Empire” Initial Sketch
11x17 in., ink on paper sketch for book illustration.
“The Height of the Empire” Final Image
11x17 Linoleum-Cut Printed Image, based on initial sketch.
“The Origin of the Empire” Linoleum Block
11x17 in. Linoleum Block, hand-carved for printed image.
“The Origin of the Empire” Final Image
11x 17 in. ink on paper Linoleum-cut print.
This project combines an interest not only in hand-made printmaking and book design processes but also reflects a deeper engagement in the socio-political history of Puerto Ricans. This book acts as an addition to a growing body of work that reflects on the history of The Young Lords. Other projects include video installations, as well as paintings and drawings.