El Fortín - Estévez and His Art

The symbol for Rolando Estévez's imprint, El Fortín, is a lighthouse (el faro). It is often seen as a symbol of salvation and guidance. In this respect, Estévez considers himself able to create the works he chooses, and in the quantities he desires. His work, Plurality of Love, reflects his rebirth as an artist, and he sees his work as personal and reflective of his state of mind.

He has traveled to the United States and visited many states. In some of the cities he has visited, he has created original pieces using trash and found objects specific to the area. His visits to Ann Arbor, Michigan brought forth his creation of two works, Plurality of Love and Angel and the Sea. Creating art and beauty from the debris and found materials from the places he visits allows Estévez to continue to express himself with humble materials. Angel and the Sea combines litter he sought to punctuate an original piece dedicated to Ernest Hemingway and to also provide commentary on life in Cuba as compared to that in the United States. The videos of both these works allow the viewer to hear Estévez in his own words.

The Special Collections Library endeavors to collect examples from the El Fortín imprint to complement its already substantial holdings of Ediciones Vigía. Therefore, we intend to capture the next phase in Estévez’s book making and artistic prowess. The Plurality of Love, Angel and the Sea, and the artists' books found under the Book Arts - El Fortín offers a glimpse into this next chapter.