“The inspiration for my work comes from Pablo Picasso’s cubist painting, Guernica, which is rich in symbolism. The original painting depicts brutality and darkness, portraying the suffering of wounded and agonizing people. It represents the devastation caused by wars, highlighting the pain and loss of life, as well as the human tragedy. Also, it expresses the desperation and anguish of the people. 

Amid darkness, there are symbols of truth and hope trying to emerge. Unfortunately, this is particularly relevant in our current times, in which invasion and genocide are daily news, as if with every bomb dropped, we forget about history, where the most innocent are the ones who suffer. My work is rooted in memory and driven by the imperative to prevent human extermination from ever happening again. Following Picasso’s example, my goal is to convey a powerful message about the horrors of war and the resilience of the human spirit through my work.”

Fernando Escartiz, May 2024