Lying in the Weeds
Publication Design / Research Intensive / Political Awareness
Recognition:
Fonts in Use 09. 2025 - Present
Art Center Gallery 09. 2024 - 12. 2024
Lying in the Weeds is a 64-page book dedicated to decolonizing social injustice in war. The Guatemalan Civil War is infamous for the countless lives that were killed, tortured, and traumatized. Using my own family’s story, who fled in search of asylum, this book is an effort to preserve and share the testimonies of those who have been silenced.
As a designer, this book challenged my vulnerability. I had to publish images and documents that were private to my family. Some I had never seen before, and I asked my family questions that brought back traumatic memories. However, I felt it was my responsibility to share this truth. That war, politics, and death should not be erased from history, and show the bravery of the people who have overcome them.
Reflection
Quotes and captions are fundamental to this book. The first chapter is an interview with my parents about their lives during the war. Pages of images resemble photo album books paired with bold captions for context behind each memory. “Lying In The Weeds” comes from a testimony of a woman who finally found the remains of a loved one. She expressed her gratitude that they can be buried with dignity and no longer lie in the weeds.
Research
The development of this book was inspired by the original government documents from my parents' asylum case. I scanned and overlayed them, presenting an overwhelming amount of paperwork and money that goes into the asylum process.The Guatemalan Civil War has little to no modern coverage. I uncovered thesis papers, blacked CIA documents, and black & white photographers. From photo restoration to editing, this book was only made possible with a passion to uncover truth and make something comprehensive and heart-wrenching for anyone to read.
Poster Design
The design system was expanded by creating posters to promote the book's launch. I designed posters to also include a QR code for free access to the publication. With the help of a friend, we traveled to downtown LA to what is informally known as “Little Guatemala.” We placed posters around town to give back to the community access to what really happened in Guatemala.