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Cuba Style: |
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Graphics
from the Golden Age of Design |
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Vicki Gold
Levi and Steven Heller |
| Book Review |
| Chris Colton |
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Cuba Style:
Graphics from the Golden Age of Design
by Vicki Gold Levi and Steven Heller features hundreds of vintage
graphics of Cuba from the 1920s to 1959. It is a visual history of Cuba
in its golden age, which parallels the wonderful design ages of Art
Nouveau, Art Deco, Bauhaus modernism, and Vegas-style kitsch in a
distinctly Cuban sensibility. |
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The
cover liner aptly describes the treasures found in the pages.
“Sun-drenched beaches. Palm trees swaying in the tropical breeze. Night
clubs and casinos filled with cigar smoke and exotic women dressed in
brightly colored costumes and dancing the rumba. In the first half of the
twentieth century, Cuba was an island of romance, a playground for wealthy
European and American travelers in search of luxury and glamour.”
Hundreds of brightly colored graphics evoke the wonder and passion of La
Vida Cubana. |
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The book is divided into several sections: Visit Cuba, Souvenir Modern,
Night Life Style, Cuban Seed, Latin Rhythms, Viva Cuba, and Cubano-Americano.
The graphics range from travel posters and postcards to alligator handbags
and cigar band labels; all reflect the vibrant colors of the Latino
culture and the glory of pre-Castro Cuba. |
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This book is a real eye-catcher. The graphics are varied and the bright
colors and stylized designs made me wish I could have visited the Cuba
Chic that was illustrated on the pages. Although before my time or
memory, pre-Castro Cuba of the 40s and 50s was an exciting tropical
destination. These images recall an exotic romantic time. |
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