Written and Designed by ArlanderTaylor IV
︎ wakuuworks.com

68 pages
Size: 8x10”
First Edition

Riso printed interior
Foil stamped covers
Screw post binding

“Lagniappe" is a poster book that takes readers on a transformative journey through illustrations, written works & poetry. The title, meaning "a little bit extra" reflects the rich cultural influences and spirit woven throughout the book's 100% risograph printed pages.

Each piece captures moments of transformation, connection, and the extraordinary beauty found in the unfamiliar.


 

The book's visuals draw from diverse influences, including the Mayan creation story Popol Vuh, the Afro-Cuban divination system Diloggun, and the symbolism of the sun as a source of vitality. The author skillfully weaves these elements together to create a tapestry of color, meaning, and personal reflection.

"Lagniappe" invites readers to explore its pages in any order, mimicking the unpredictable nature of life and encouraging intuitive discovery. Through this immersive experience, the author hopes readers will find a piece of themselves in the words and images, fostering a sense of connection and shared humanity.

Text & edited by Christina H Appel

60 pages
Size: 6x18”
First Edition

This is a running list of imperialist interventions resulting in death, destruction, violence and lingering catastrophe perpetrated by the U.S. government. It is in no way comprehensive or complete.

Don’t be fooled by the callousness of the listed format of these events; these are acts of violence whether physical or in the form of poisoned barbs that spread destruction; repressing autonomy, creativity and change. Crushing dreams of a different world. Tentacles of evil laced missions laying waste to humanity’s hopes for life.

Throughout its history, the United States government has been involved in a multitude of interventions around the globe. The U.S. has engaged in almost 400 military interventions between 1776 and 2023; half of these operations took place after 1950 and over a quarter after the Cold War.

This list reads like a wayward traffic controller’s log; faulty & brazen like a chronological manual of imperialist thirst. These acts are often practically unknown to U.S. residents and their effects easily missed in everyday life. U.S. imperialism began as expansionist genocide in North America and has continued to evolve & mutate into an endless almost standardized series of violent acts.

Note: This list does not pretend to be definitive or absolutely complete. Nor does it seek to explain or interpret the interventions. Note that US operations in World Wars I and II have been excluded.

by Michelle Hernandez Vega
Designed & Published by Secret Riso Club

Riso printed interior with cutouts
120 pages
Spiral Bound

Parque de Las Botellas is a private man-made park and a cherished haven during the artists’ childhood vists to her family’s hometown of Quebradillas, Puerto Rico.

Translated as "Bottle Park" in English, its name pays homage to the myriad structures crafted from recycled bottles. Constructed in the early 1980s, it stood as a testament to oddball island aesthetic, creativity and resourcefulness until the ravages of hurricanes led to its closure in the 2010s.

Rediscovering this beloved sanctuary through the lens of Google Maps,  the artist was confronted with its dilapidated state—a haunting echo of its former glory.  Amidst failed attempts at restoration, a digital community emerged, chronicling its past through a Facebook page and a couple YouTube videos, serving as a wellspring of archival imagery for this book.

“For me, "Parque De Las Botellas" symbolizes more than just a childhood playground; it embodies the essence of my connection to Puerto Rico. Its imperfect beauty, steeped in familial lore and collective memory, evokes a sense of pride and nostalgia that transcends its physical boundaries.

Though little known beyond Quebradillas, its influence on me has been profound. Like a cherished heirloom, I've carried its memory into adulthood, shaping my art and igniting a desire to recapture the essence of youthful exploration I experienced there.

Originally conceived as a video project (still in the works), the transition to a book format felt natural—a tangible homage to the whimsy and wonder of childhood. I built a large diorama, a reimagining of the park, to fill in for what I lacked in evidence. I wanted to make a book that would reignite the joy of discovery through tactile engagement and interactive elements: weaving graphics, colors, riso and cutouts all contributing to a sense of playful nostalgia. Parque de Las Botellas is my return to Oz, where the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary with each turn of the page.” - Michelle Hernandez Vega

“Don’t lose your Humanity”   is a reflection on how the very basic right of self-determination, liberation and freedom is often forgotten and not respected even by societies that said to protect them.  

New York  2023
11x17”

by Secret Riso Club

Reflective ink back
100% cotton
Screen-printed in house

Shirts are produced sustainably and ethically in LA with workers receiving fair wages