About

Our Documentary

seeks to examine the rich tradition of the craft of printmaking and graphic arts in Puerto Rico, with a particular focus on its pivotal role in amplifying marginalized voices and addressing contemporary socio-political issues. The project will trace the historical evolution of printmaking on the island, beginning with its use as a propaganda tool during Puerto Rico’s transition to a U.S. colony in the late nineteenth century, and extending to its current function as a powerful medium for protest and self-expression. By investigating the historical trajectory of printmaking in Puerto Rico, this research will explore how contemporary artists have reappropriated this art form to produce bold and diverse graphics that resonate with today’s social and political climates.

Printmaking, a process that involves creating images or designs on a surface such as a plate, block, or screen, and then transferring these images onto paper or another material, is a versatile craft that allows for the production of multiple copies from a single original design. Historically regarded as a democratic medium due to its capacity for mass reproduction, printmaking has been a potent instrument for amplifying dissenting voices and promoting revolutionary ideas. This research will focus on an art form that, despite often being under-recognized in the broader academic world, has played a crucial role in catalyzing popular movements and political changes throughout history.

The findings of this research will culminate in a 20-minute documentary that will present a linear narrative of the craft of printmaking in Puerto Rico. The documentary will be screened at the Rocky Mountain Printmaker’s Alliance Conference in October 2025 and the Southern Graphics Council Conference in 2026, both of which attract hundreds of academics and practitioners in the field of printmaking. Following these screenings, efforts will be made to secure a long-term platform for the film on PBS or a similar publicly accessible streaming service.