Wednesday, July 19, 2023

Maricela Guerrero (trans: Stalina Villarreal), Kilimanjaro, Cardboard House Press Cartonera Collective, Pheonix, 2018


A bi-lingual cartonera book in a rare accordion format with writings by the Mexican author who's published a number of books of poetry. In collaboration with Paula Abramo and Xitlalitl Rodriguez they authored Ropa Sucia, where they exposed the difficulties & problems that women writers encounter and how these issues work to render them invisible.

The cartonera publishing movement originated in Argentina in 2003, and utilizes one of the most available of materials, cardboard with which they create wildy creative and varied handmade covers for their publications, all of which are priced affordably for the person in the street - you could call it the democratization of literature.

I particularly like the hand painted and stenciled front and back cardboard covers to this accordion. However, it also illustrates that large amounts of text are not necessarily best suited to this format which requires a greater visuality in order to make the most of this unique folded format, as well as engaging the viewer.

19 double-sided pages, individually 8" x 8" and fully opened 12' 8".

reverse side


back cover

No comments:

Post a Comment