Semana Cultural de Puerto Rico y Costa Rica

This poster was produced for the Semana Cultural de Puerto Rico y Costa Rica (1990), a cultural exchange initiative promoting artistic, literary, and educational ties between the two nations. Sponsored by the Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña and the Department of State, the event featured exhibitions, performances, and conferences that highlighted Caribbean–Central American cultural connections. The collaboration represented Puerto Rico’s broader strategy in the late 20th century to strengthen hemispheric cultural diplomacy through the arts.

Luis Alonso’s design incorporates repeated tile-like patterns inspired by traditional Puerto Rican and Costa Rican architectural motifs. The arch at the top symbolizes shared colonial heritage and the blending of cultural identities. By combining geometric repetition with organic elements, Alonso captures the idea of two nations linked by history, migration, and artistic expression. Posters like this were essential tools in visual diplomacy, reinforcing the cultural richness of both regions.