To all of my family and friends, you have my deepest thanks for being with me at this time which is a moment of special significance.
This virtual exhibition of my paintings, which was forced online by the global health crisis, is born from the impulse of spirit that we humans attempt to communicate and transmit to each other. That which makes us ask; What we are? Where do we come from? Where are we going? And, what do we do in this world?
It is likely that my first artistic manifestation was awakened more than four decades ago at a difficult stage of my life. This time period coincided with a fortune which fate rewarded me, finding Marlene. She is my life companion who has since shared my joys, love, pain, fear, and hope. Since then, due to my daily work, I have only occasionally been able to take the brush and paint as a sentimental escape. Today, at the age of 75; which is in itself an accomplishment, I present to all of you my exhibition.
These paintings are not focused on a certain moment in creation, nor are they based on a single theme. It is rather an exhibition that aims to involve all those who observe it. It encourages them to think for themselves and to awaken and develop aspects that are inherent to the essence of being human. I hope each of you appreciate not only what is seen, but also what is intuited.
I could talk about each particular piece of work, but my wish is for everyone to sit with them and allow each piece to spark your own conversations. Perhaps think about how these paintings are a sample of some of the most valuable human characteristics: the will to work and overcome personal pain through art. I hope that these paintings have the ability to explain themselves in this regard.
On this special occasion I want to pay tribute to Master Ricardo Pérez Alcalá, who possessed all the excellent techniques and attributes of a painter. His genius is a constant source of inspiration every time I face a blank canvas. It is his strokes, colors, lights, and shadows that stimulate my own palette.
Also, I want to recognize my most appreciated friend, Ernesto Cavour; a renowned composer and musician whose rhythm and melodies have provided inspiration for my brushes and colors as they dance across the canvas. His music has transported me to the roots of my existence.
I have been fortunate on my long journey through this world to meet people who, with generosity and dedication, contributed and boosted my intellectual and artistic ability. For this reason, I also want to thank my dear friends Ambassador Sergio Sánchez Ballivián, Jean de Segonzac, a filmmaker, and Ernesto Penaranda.
Gratitude is the value that reminds us each day of the thanks we owe to our parents for giving us the gift of life. Today, I remember them with a special amount of gratitude for being the main promoter of my dreams. I thank them for trusting me and setting expectations. Similarly, witnessing the love of my dear son, daughters, and their families, I want to express the pride of knowing that the teachings and principles of righteousness and generosity that Marlene and I pass on are the foundations on which they base their attitude to face life.
And last but not least, a special thanks to my son-in-law, Eric Russo, for helping me put this presentation together.
Thank you very much.