Collection Description: Manuscripts, sketches, and print materials detailing the artistic process behind Ignacio Fernandez’s book projects, as well as print examples of his architectural practice.

Biographical Note
Ignacio Fernández was born in Camagüey, Cuba in 1948. He immigrated to the United States in 1960 and settled down in Los Angeles, where he practiced architecture and became part of the arts collective, ADOBE LA. Fernandez’s work reflects his pursuit to find identity by exploring his Cuban origins, as well as through his extensive travel through Mexico and South America. This research of Latin American countries and indigenous art forms the basis of his 13 Bak’tun project.

Scope and Content
Ignacio Fernandez’s collection is organized in three sections:

Oversized book items: One oversized mockup of the “end of the world” performance project in watercolor.

Boxed book items: Seven manuscripts of Fernández’s published work Azúcar, Tabaco, y Café: Visions of Cuba. One spiral bound mockup of Azúcar, Tabaco y Café. Two prototypes of Azucar, Tabaco y Cafe. One miniature sized mockup of the end of the world performance in watercolor. One copy of The 13 Ba'tun Codex A Fictional Maya Tale of Death and Redemption. One bound mockup of 13 Bak’tun. One print collage. One binder with compilation of research and manuscript materials for 13 Bak’tun. Two glued manuscript mockups of 13 Bak’tun. One spiral bound copy of a talk about 13 Bak’tun. One sheet of paper containing a press release about 13 Bak’tun. One print collage of Mao Zedong and Chiang Kai-shek. One folder containing script to a lecture about Mayan codices.

Architecture projects: One sketchbook containing building plans for Pilar and Jim Diggle’s home.

Archivist: Daniela Reyes

Visions of Cuba: An Artist Remembers

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