No Sabo
Charlotte Quintero
No Sabo is a series of small wooden accordion books that reflect on the complexities of cultural identity, language, and belonging from the perspective of a first-generation Colombian-American daughter. The term “no sabo” is often used to describe children of Hispanic immigrants who grow up in Spanish-speaking households but do not learn the language fluently.
Each accordion focuses on a different aspect of growing up in a Colombian-American home: questioning belonging, growing up between two cultures, developing pride, and the ultimate realization that learning Spanish would bring me closer to my abuelitos. When each accordion is opened individually, it presents a chapter of the story. When all of the accordions are unfolded and arranged together, they form the shape of a house. This structure represents the home in which these memories and cultural experiences took place, emphasizing how identity is built through everyday moments within a family space.
Text fragments engraved on the floors reflect the language I grew up hearing, shaping my understanding of home and identity, while the images on the walls depict memories from childhood. Additional zines included within the layout provide longer reflections, expanding on the themes explored throughout the house.
The purpose of this project is to emphasize the importance of preserving cultural memory, and encourage others with similar experiences to reconnect with their heritage in whatever way they can.