Argentine poet and critic Rafael Squirru gives an overview of the events at the II Bienal de San Juan del Grabado Latinoamericano [2nd San Juan Biennial of Latin American Graphic Art] (1972), the prizes awarded by the jury, the participating artists, and the notable works. The writer justifies biennials in spite of the criticisms they always elicit. Squirru defends the budget allocated for culture as well as efforts made for the prior biennial. He explains the method of awarding prizes, in which jurors each select their favorite work. The author finally remarks that the Puerto Rican artist is chosen by consensus, which has led to criticism from Puerto Rican artists.

The Biennial de San Juan del Grabado Latinoamericano was one of the most important events held in the Caribbean region, given that it fostered an exchange of ideas and contact among different artists. The first of these biennials was organized by the Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña [Institute of Puerto Rican Culture] (ICP) in 1970. Printmaking was selected because it was a form of expression that was widely practiced by Puerto Rican artists, who were producing very high quality work. In 1986, “y del Caribe” [and Caribbean] was added to the name of the biennial so it could include that geographic area in the event. Parallel to this change, the biennial included two exhibitions to recognize artists’ work: one to honor a Puerto Rican artist and the other to honor a foreign artist. 

The II Biennial was held in 1972. The exhibitions/tributes honored the Puerto Rican poster and Mexican printmaker José Guadalupe Posada. The seven purchase prizes were awarded to: Eduardo Cruz (Brazil), Alicia Orlandi (Argentina), Eduardo Vilches (Chile), Eduardo MacEntyre (Argentina), Rodolfo Abularach (Guatemala), Arnold Belkin (Mexico), and Alfonso Quijano Acero (Colombia).

Two related texts are: “Exposición de carteles realizados en el taller del Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña bajo la dirección de Lorenzo Homar” [Exhibitions of posters executed in a workshop led by Lorenzo Homar at the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture], also by Rafael Squirru (see 806353), and “Segunda Bienal de San Juan del Grabado Latinoamericano” [2nd San Juan Biennial of Latin American Graphic Art] by José A. Torres Martinó (825048).