The Afterlives of Ismael Rivera

by Christopher Lopez / Arca Press an imprint of MSU

Published by Christopher Lopez

"The Afterlives of Ismael Rivera: Music Inspired by El Sonero Mayor" is a 40 page book of all color riso printed photographs by Puerto Rican-American Bronx-born photo-based artist Christopher López. These images are based on the songs of Afro-Puerto Rican musician Ismael Rivera. These images capture fragments of time—like Rivera’s lyrics themselves—that offer a symbology of a people (Puerto Ricans) whose identities are found in constant flux. López's art practice is focused on the exploration of diminishing histories, his photographs celebrate the richness of culture as well as portray the complexities of identity both on and off the island. This work explores the visual properties of music and song by interpreting lyricism, its raw power, socio-political significance, and its intrinsic bond to quotidian experience in the lives of Puerto Rican people."

Riso Colors Used: Red, Blue, Black, Yellow, Pink, Gold

8x10 Pages:40

East Lansing, Michigan

2022

www.chrislopez.info

@bxclopez