This year, I had the honor of participating in the International Watercolor Triennial in Santa Marta, Colombia, not only as an artist but also as the coordinator of the group of artists from the Canary Islands. Representing our community as President of the Sociocultural Association Animarte, which was invited as the guest of honor at this event, has been a truly enriching and meaningful experience.
The artwork I presented at the triennial, titled *”Sacristía,”* is a homage to realistic urban landscapes, specifically the wooden portal of the sacristy of the church in Antigua, Fuerteventura. This portal, with its visible wear, tells the story of a past that, although recent, resonates with the richness of a culture that may seem distant, yet remains very much alive today.
The weathered wood, marked by time, reflects a living history, a narrative of resilience and tradition that has endured through the years. However, in a contrast that does not go unnoticed, the poorly placed cables beside the portal represent the poor choices of our contemporary society. These choices, driven by the desire to achieve results with minimal effort, are a reflection of a tendency towards carelessness that endangers the preservation of our cultural heritage.
Participating in this triennial has been an opportunity not only to share my art but also to reflect on the challenges we face as a society. The artwork *”Sacristía”* seeks to invite reflection on the importance of valuing and preserving the details that connect us to our past, avoiding the temptation of quick fixes that can deteriorate what should rightfully be protected.
I am deeply grateful for the invitation and the opportunity to represent the Canary Islands at such a significant event. I am convinced that art, in all its forms, is a powerful vehicle for intercultural dialogue and reflection on the world we live in. Until the next triennial!
