Love Revolution in Three Acts: Memories of Tinti and Alexis - Act I
A glimpse into the relationship of Casa Pueblo's founders through the exchange of letters they kept during their university years, from 1959 to 1964.
By Casa Pueblo de Adjuntas, Inc.
Alanis Vázquez Rodríguez, Francisco Cabrera Vega and Windy Cosme Rosario
El cofre de madera (2024) by Josué Oquendo NatalCasa Pueblo de Adjuntas, Inc.
Let's open the treasure chest of memories...
Today, 65 years after Tinti Deyá and Alexis Massol began to document their love story in writing, we invite you to reread their letters from the perspective of the future that awaited them.
During his process of grief and healing after his wife's passing, Alexis revisited their letters and decided to respond to them again. This exhibition features 16 of these letters that allow us to get to know Tinti.
Love letters
A love letter is that intimate exchange between two bodies, separated by distance, who find joy in the warmth of their words. The epistles of Casa Pueblo's founders, Alexis and Tinti, serve as a vehicle to understand their personal and professional journey.
Born on December 18, 1940, Faustina "Tinti" Deyá Díaz is the author of this selection of letters. Hailing from Adjuntas, Puerto Rico, she is regarded as one of the most prominent female figures in her town. Her roles as a teacher, mother, activist, artist, athlete, neighbor, sister, friend, and partner are highlighted through the sensitivity of each of her words. She was a patriotic woman ahead of her time and circumstances. Thanks to her multifaceted nature, Tinti is considered the heart of Casa Pueblo.
carta 1a: "El cofre" (1963-12-03) by Tinti Deyá DíazCasa Pueblo de Adjuntas, Inc.
'The chest'
In 1963, Tinti reminisces about the collection of letters she had received from her then-boyfriend for three years, Alexis, and chooses to reread them. In the present, we do the same with those sent by her.
"Today I looked for the key to the chest there I keep your letters and I couldn't find it. I broke the lock and began to reed your letters. I laughed with some, felt joy with others, sorrows with some, and as a result, I laughed and cried."
On December 18, 2021, Alexis responds to his eternal love:
"Tinti, I confess that today, as I reread your letters, I cry upon receiving in the tenderness of the wind the kisses and the message of happiness that has made our love eternal. So, motivated by you, I also break the lock of my sacred chest to begin reading your letters one by one with burning passion."
Torre UPRRP by Oficina del Registrador, UPRCasa Pueblo de Adjuntas, Inc.
The emblem of our university
The tower of the UPR transports us to those corners from where Tinti wrote to her beloved Alexis, who received the correspondence at our sister campus, the College of Mayagüez.
Love in university times
Her epistolary history dates back to 1959, the year Tinti is accepted at the Río Piedras Campus of the University of Puerto Rico, which requires her to move from Adjuntas. With the goal of prioritizing their relationship, she narrates her days to Alexis from beginning to end.
carta 6a: "Cierre del semestre" (1959-12-06) by Tinti Deyá DíazCasa Pueblo de Adjuntas, Inc.
At the end of the semester, Tinti writes:
1959 was their first year together. The vulnerability acquired by sharing their academic concerns and celebrating family festivities strengthened their bond, trust, and commitment, foundational values in a relationship.
carta 6b: "Cierre del semestre" (1959-12-06) by Tinti Deyá DíazCasa Pueblo de Adjuntas, Inc.
Outside of her studies, sports and cinema were two of Tinti's favorite pastimes. Her varied interests allowed her to enjoy entertainment alongside her learning.
Se inaugura el teatro "Paradise" en Río Piedras. (1945-12-12) by Periódico El MundoCasa Pueblo de Adjuntas, Inc.
The Paradise Cinema Theater near the campus was one of the places she frequented the most. There, she would gather with friends to watch movies and make the most of her leisure time.
Let's watch the trailer for the movie "Some Like It Hot," which Tinti mentions having seen in her letter. This journey back in time highlights the aesthetic and popular culture of the 1950s.
carta 6e: "Cierre del semestre" (1959-12-06) by Tinti Deyá DíazCasa Pueblo de Adjuntas, Inc.
"On Wednesday, I have two final exams. On Thursday, I have another (...)". In her letters, one can feel the tension caused by university stress. However, expressing her burden to the man she loves makes it lighter.
"Did you go to mass today? We went to the one at College of San Antonio". Spirituality was also important to Tinti. She attended mass, prayed, and thus kept the flame of her hopeful heart alive. She was a woman who always intended to promote balance between passions.
Tap to explore
Parroquia San Antonio de Padua, Río Piedras, P.R. Founded in Río Piedras in 1908, this was the church that Tinti attended to nourish her soul while living in the metropolitan area.
This story doesn't end here, we invite you to move on to the second part of our exhibition to continue enjoying this love.
This exhibition is based on a series of correspondences between Alexis Massol and Tinti Deyá that will be published by the Editorial of the University of Puerto Rico in the book: "Revolución del amor en tres tiempos".
This project is the result of a collaborative effort between: Alexis Massol González, Tinti Deyá Díaz, Arturo Massol Deyá, Josué Oquendo Natal, Museo El Barrio, Mellon Foundation, UPR Caribe Digital, Casa Pueblo, Digital Humanities Scholars in Residence, Windy Cosme Rosario, Francisco Cabrera Vega y Alanis Vázquez Rodríguez.
