Forbidden Pages: Rosa Naday Garmendia

“Forbidden Pages” is an art and social engagement project that utilizes various forms of art, including letterpress, linoleum prints, zines, and site-specific wallpaper murals, accompanied by scheduled public activations. Inspired by a collection of over 2500 banned or challenged children’s books, such as The Bluest Eyes, Before She Was Harriet, Festival of Colors, and Neither, this project brings these silenced tales to life. Abstract designs, rooted in International Standard Book Numbers (ISBN) and corresponding barcodes, serve as visual clues. The installation aims to spark curiosity and foster critical thinking among the public, seamlessly combining art and critical dialogue, prompting reflection on the growing limitations and diminishing accessibility to literature within Florida’s public schools.

About the Artist:
Rosa Naday Garmendia is a multidisciplinary artist blending contemporary art and activism, drawing inspiration from personal experiences. Her work explores diverse facets of the human experience, including assimilation, cultural preservation, and identity. Delving into cultural histories and traditions, she addresses contemporary social issues like racism, power structures and human rights, actively contributing to urgent discussions about humanity. Garmendia believes in the transformative power of art and sees artists as catalysts for meaningful social change.

As a cultural ambassador in international exchanges, she has participated in various artist residencies and exhibitions throughout the Caribbean with Diaspora Vibe Cultural Arts Incubator. Her work has been featured in prestigious national institutions such as the Corcoran School of Art and Design, Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts & Culture, Utah Museum of Contemporary Art, (UMOCA), Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami, African Heritage Cultural Arts Center and Vermont Studio Center among others. Internationally at the 12th, 13th and 14th Havana Biennials, ReadyTex Gallery, THE CAG(E) among others. Notable residencies include Oolite Arts Home and Away Residency program, Equal Justice Thematic International Residency and Vermont Studio Center Artist Residency.