This year's recipient of the Student Paper Award is Charlie Maddox '23, who will give a presentation on Belkis Ayón's 1999 print titled Manso, or meek.

This lithograph focuses on Sikán, a character in the mythology of Abakuá—an all male, Afro-Cuban fraternal association dating back to the 19th century. The only female character in Abakuá mythology, Sikán was charged with and killed for divulging cosmic secrets. Representing a convergence of Afro-Cuban history and folklore, this print amplifies and canonizes the story of Sikán, altering the legacy she leaves behind.

About the image: Belkis Ayón (Cuban, 1967-1999), Manso (Meek) , 1999. Edition: 23/30, offset lithograph. Richard Lee Ripin Art Purchase Fund, 2018.1.