Manuel Hernández Acevedo (1921–1988) is celebrated as one of Puerto Rico’s most important self-taught painters, known for his expressive depictions of Old San Juan. This poster—created for his Retrospective Exhibition on May 14, 1981, in conjunction with the 5th San Juan Biennial of Latin American Printmaking (5ta Bienal de San Juan)—captures the cultural pride and artistic resurgence of Puerto Rico during the late 20th century. The Bienal was one of the most significant art events in the Caribbean, designed to place Puerto Rican printmaking on the international stage and honor artists who contributed to the island’s identity through visual culture. Featuring Acevedo’s iconic stylized perspective, the artwork portrays Calle del Cristo, a historic street leading toward the famous red Puerta de San Juan, symbolizing the city’s colonial past and living heritage.
This piece is historically important because Acevedo was known for depicting everyday Puerto Rican architecture with bold outlines, flattened forms, and vibrant colors—a style that became instantly recognizable as the visual language of the island’s working-class neighborhoods and historic districts. By showcasing Acevedo during a major international biennial, the Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña affirmed the value of local, self-taught voices in Puerto Rican fine arts. Posters from this period served not only as advertisements for cultural events but as collectible works of art that documented the evolving identity of postwar Puerto Rico. Today, these Bienal posters are sought after for their artistic merit, cultural significance, and role in documenting the golden era of Puerto Rican graphic arts (1960s–1980s).
Manuel Hernández Acevedo (1921–1988) is celebrated as one of Puerto Rico’s most important self-taught painters, known for his expressive depictions of Old San Juan. This poster—created for his Retrospective Exhibition on May 14, 1981, in conjunction with the 5th San Juan Biennial of Latin American Printmaking (5ta Bienal de San Juan)—captures the cultural pride and artistic resurgence of Puerto Rico during the late 20th century. The Bienal was one of the most significant art events in the Caribbean, designed to place Puerto Rican printmaking on the international stage and honor artists who contributed to the island’s identity through visual culture. Featuring Acevedo’s iconic stylized perspective, the artwork portrays Calle del Cristo, a historic street leading toward the famous red Puerta de San Juan, symbolizing the city’s colonial past and living heritage.
This piece is historically important because Acevedo was known for depicting everyday Puerto Rican architecture with bold outlines, flattened forms, and vibrant colors—a style that became instantly recognizable as the visual language of the island’s working-class neighborhoods and historic districts. By showcasing Acevedo during a major international biennial, the Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña affirmed the value of local, self-taught voices in Puerto Rican fine arts. Posters from this period served not only as advertisements for cultural events but as collectible works of art that documented the evolving identity of postwar Puerto Rico. Today, these Bienal posters are sought after for their artistic merit, cultural significance, and role in documenting the golden era of Puerto Rican graphic arts (1960s–1980s).
!! Prints have small holes and some tropical foxing !!
Authenticity: Signed
Condition: 4/5
Career: Established Career Artist
Age: 45
Size: 19 x 25 inches
Rarity: Unnumbered
Print is shipped in flat packaging and comes with Provenance card. Free Shipping
