Created to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in Puerto Rico (1873–1973), this poster is among the most important social justice artworks produced by the Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña. Designed by Jose Rosa, it merges expressive typography with symbolic imagery—interlocked fists breaking chains—to convey liberation and collective dignity. The design stands as a landmark in Caribbean anti-colonial visual culture, merging art and activism.
This poster was commissioned by the Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña (ICP) to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the abolition of slavery, a milestone achieved in Puerto Rico under Spanish colonial rule on March 22, 1873.
During the 1970s, Puerto Rico’s cultural institutions — led by the ICP — were intentionally reexamining the island’s Afro-Boricua identity and reclaiming erased histories of Black resistance. Rosa’s composition — featuring interlocked hands of different skin tones, surrounded by historical fragments and the names of abolitionists such as Segundo Ruiz Belvis and Miguel Chótafí — situates the work in that new nationalist and anti-colonial discourse.
The graphic style itself reflects the Latin American poster revolution of the era — bold, flat colors and political symbolism — influenced by Cuba’s OSPAAAL and Chile’s Unidad Popular print collectives.
This work is one of the most politically charged designs produced under the ICP silkscreen division, affirming Rosa’s role as both artist and cultural historian.
Created to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in Puerto Rico (1873–1973), this poster is among the most important social justice artworks produced by the Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña. Designed by Jose Rosa, it merges expressive typography with symbolic imagery—interlocked fists breaking chains—to convey liberation and collective dignity. The design stands as a landmark in Caribbean anti-colonial visual culture, merging art and activism.
This poster was commissioned by the Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña (ICP) to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the abolition of slavery, a milestone achieved in Puerto Rico under Spanish colonial rule on March 22, 1873.
During the 1970s, Puerto Rico’s cultural institutions — led by the ICP — were intentionally reexamining the island’s Afro-Boricua identity and reclaiming erased histories of Black resistance. Rosa’s composition — featuring interlocked hands of different skin tones, surrounded by historical fragments and the names of abolitionists such as Segundo Ruiz Belvis and Miguel Chótafí — situates the work in that new nationalist and anti-colonial discourse.
The graphic style itself reflects the Latin American poster revolution of the era — bold, flat colors and political symbolism — influenced by Cuba’s OSPAAAL and Chile’s Unidad Popular print collectives.
This work is one of the most politically charged designs produced under the ICP silkscreen division, affirming Rosa’s role as both artist and cultural historian.
Authenticity: Signed on plate
Condition: 4/5
Career: Blue Chip Artist
Age: 52
Size: 20x26 inches
Rarity: Unnumbered
Print is shipped in flat packaging and comes with Provenance card.
