Tuesday, January 28:
In The Footsteps of José Martí Around The World pays tribute to the Cuban independence leader, José Martí, on the 172nd anniversary of his birth (January 28, 1853, Havana, Cuba—May 19, 1895, Rio Cauto, Cuba).
The Cuban American historian, collector, researcher, lawyer, and writer Emilio Cueto will present In the footsteps of José Martí around the world, as a visual tour through some 340 cities around the world outside of Cuba that preserve the presence of the National hero, supported by the images that Cueto has managed to meticulously collect over the years. The presentation focuses on how Martí is received in the world after his death in 1895, how people outside of Cuba find out who Martí is, and the mark he has left. Cueto made an outline of the imprint of the National Hero, José Martí, outside the borders of the island of Cuba. Illustrating Martí's global impact through the spread of his work, studies conducted in other countries, and translations of his writings into various languages. Martí's presence can be found in music, philately, painting, engraving, statues, busts, plaques, streets in different foreign cities, and various institutions that bear his name.
“This has been a great adventure,” Cueto stated. “I threw a very large fishing net, and the capture was something unexpected: it is the incredible story of how the figure of Martí has spread throughout the world.”
Presentation followed by a question-and-answer session.
Light refreshments and enjoy a celebratory slice of Martí's birthday cake!
Virtual Link for Day-Of Viewing
Wednesday, January 29:
Book Signing by Author and Collector Emilio Cueto on Inspired by Cuba!series, Cuba on the Labels: A Selection of Cuba-Themed Cigar Labels Printed Outside of Cuba
An opening talk and book signing with author and collector Emilio Cueto will take place on January 29 at 3:30 pm in the Smathers Library, room 100, and will be live-streaming. This event celebrates the publication of Inspired by Cuba!, Cuba on the Labels: A Selection of Cuba-Themed Cigar Labels Printed Outside of Cuba by the LibraryPress@UF. This book delves into how Cuba and one of its top exports, the Cuban cigar, are captured in cigar labels created outside the island. Through the perspective of these cigar label makers, Cuba emerges as the central character of the narrative.
The book features over three hundred labels reproduced in large, beautifully detailed images. Emilio Cueto has meticulously collected and researched these labels over several decades, providing a comprehensive examination of the subject. The near-original size reproductions allow readers to appreciate the artistry of the labels, showcasing Cuba as seen through the eyes of the cigar label makers working abroad.
Cuba on the Labels follows Cueto's previous work, La Habana también se fuma/Havana is for Smokers (2019). It makes a unique contribution to the bibliography of Cuban cigar label art by highlighting examples produced outside the island that feature the words “Cuban,” “Cubano,” or their derivatives on the labels. As Cueto states, this is “certainly the most thorough study ever attempted,” making it an invaluable reference book.
This is the third book in Emilio Cueto’s Inspired by Cuba! series. Previous volumes in the series include Inspired by Cuba: Delivering Cuba Through the Mail: Cuba’s Presence in Non-Cuban Postage Stamps and A Survey of Cuba-themed Ceramics, which explore various ways in which Cuba has been celebrated through stamps from other countries and Cuban ceramics.
The presentation is followed by a question-and-answer session, with a book signing to take place afterward.
Light refreshments, unique takeaways, and books are available for purchase and signing!