The Blogazine

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Revista Rara | Guatemala

Guatemala probably doesn’t blip your radar when you think of design, art or good magazines. In this small country where political controversy and violent scandals are top of mind, high quality, incisive publications can be very rare finds, indeed. But with a clean and fresh perspective, Revista Rara manages to be an exceptionally good digest of design, art, architecture and culture. Made by a team of only native Guatemalans, this is a gutsy, fresh and well-curated magazine that wouldn’t be out of place on the newsstand of colette or any other discerning magazine stand. Seriously, it’s that good.

This month marked the launch of Rara’s third issue, and not only is the art direction fantastic by any standard, the magazine has a distinctive voice that is the result of its sharp eye and the culture that surrounds it. The magazine is filled from end to end with Guatemalan talent from the likes of Cedrick Arenales, Juan Brenner or Byron Mármol. The publication’s vision is specially focused on Guatemalan and Latin American projects, and gives us an interesting insight into the creative atmosphere in this oft-overlooked corner of the globe.

RARA’s creators, Andrés and Luisa, are both passionate artists and work from a “genuine and passionate Central American point of view.” From their work you readily really tell that the team they have put together operates for no higher purpose than to carry out their passions. They write, photograph, paint and generally create because it’s what they love to do.

And the magazine’s title couldn’t possibly be more appropriate: rara in Spanish means rare, unique and weird. But the only thing rara about it is that you can’t find it outside Central America. It’s gorgeous to real creativity sprout up in an unexpected place. Maybe it’s about time we shift our perceptions and look beyond our borders a little more willingly… there are treasures to find!

And so, we think RARA deserves a hearty cheer, Guatemala style: RA! RA! RA!