Island in the Light/Isla en la luz

Island in the Light / Isla en la luz is a fascinating and insightful compilation that pairs contemporary Cuban visual art and literature by having 30 prominent writers respond to the works of 35 renowned artists.

Contemporary Cuban art, literature, and music come together in Island in the Light / Isla en la luz. This bilingual compilation of the work of 35 artists and 30 writers began by selecting artwork by renowned artists and asking prominent writers to create original stories, poems, or essays in response. The result is a thoroughly original and captivating selection of visual arts and literature in dialogue that conveys a sense of the essence and energy of Cuban arts today.

Artists represented include Tania Bruguera, Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons, Yoan Capote, Teresita Fernández, Roberto Fabelo, Carlos Garaicoa, and Enrique Martinez Celaya. Among the writers are Wendy Guerra, José Kozer, Jorge Enrique Lage, Legna Rodríguez Iglesias, Achy Obejas, Leonardo Padura, and Reina María Rodríguez. The works are drawn from the Jorge M. Pérez Art Collection; the majority have been gifted to the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), while the others are promised gifts to PAMM. The volume also includes music: Pavel Urkiza composed original scores inspired by several of the selections that readers link to through QR codes. In addition to the short stories, poems, and essays inspired by the artwork, the volume includes commentary and critical essays by Jorge M. Pérez, Carlos Garaicoa, and Wendy Guerra and Leonardo Padura. Proceeds benefit The Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation, which will redirect the funds to arts organizations.