Choco: "They won't forgive us if we mess this up"

August 15, 2018

It may seem vulgar the title of this commentary, but I'm sharing it because I believe it was one of the best phrases spoken on the afternoon of Thursday, August 2nd. It was precisely this one that produced an ovation to close the Encounter with, which was led by Magda Resik in the Salón de Mayo of the Pabellón Cuba, as part of the activities of the Arte en La Rampa 2018 Fair.

More than an hour and a half in dialogue with an accomplished artist of the plastic arts, a Cuban lover of music, who enjoys baseball and occasionally visiting his native Santiago, a city he admires for its people, hospitality and customs.

With a high degree of popularity, earned through his work, Eduardo Roca Salazar dazzles with his warm character, with a beautiful smile, according to Magda and his skillful way of conducting the dialogue.

A special being, deserving of the National Prize for Plastic Arts in 2017, who has no known enemies. His extreme humility is proven, as well as his competence and the quality of that immense work, full of color, with well-executed forms and original signature; always seeking a Cuban expression that dialogues with the universal.

Friends and acquaintances present testified that years pass and he remains the same, he who has never thought much of himself, has devoted himself to his family, reaffirming that greatness lies precisely in that grain of corn...

Choco, as he is popularly known, is a true friend, an authentic being, a brother. Great host, guide and wise musical promoter, most of all for his good taste and knowledge of the manifestation, he treasures a musical heritage from which many artists have nourished themselves. From his passion for music he also tells us that it enables him to think in colors and discover different lights. But most significantly, he has not forgotten his origin, his humility, and the genius is completed with that.

Member of the National Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (Uneac), and of the International Association of Plastic Artists (AIAP), he holds the Distinction for National Culture, granted by the Ministry of Culture of Cuba, the Alejo Carpentier Medal and the Julio Antonio Mella Medal, assigned by the Council of State of the Republic of Cuba, the seal of the Laureate and the Raúl Gómez García Distinction granted by the National Union of Cultural Workers. He has been recognized with the Diploma for Artistic Merit and the category of Consulting Professor by the Higher Institute of Art.

His relationship with his angel Gloria cannot be overlooked, his life companion, mother of his children, teacher, fighter and accomplice in the good taste of his "Arcoiris de col".

His steps have been inspired by his mother, who asked him to walk "carefully and in the shade". In his home he was made to understand that it is necessary to look back to know how to behave. That is how he set out for Havana and later to Angola.

He graduated from the National School of Art in 1970 and pursued studies at the Faculty of Arts and Letters of the University of Havana, preceded by his training as an art instructor; something he thoroughly enjoys. He confesses that he is doing everything possible not to disappoint those who follow his work; which is nothing more than the fruit of the intellectual and scientific training learned in our art schools. His commitment is to be at that level to be able to convince and draw from elements of our culture. He confesses that sometimes he finds no way to explain in words his relationship with the imaginary that makes his work possible, since he is not a practitioner of any religion, even though he respects all beliefs.

There are days when he doesn't want to leave the studio, he becomes absorbed and feels the need to create under any circumstance. He has assistants who inspire him greatly and even feed him. But, as he also needs to distract himself, sometimes, as a hobby, he cooks at home.

His calling as a teacher strengthens his work. He spends all his time creating and believes that young people should realize what they want. Technological advances are dangerous and he is concerned that people today have almost no direct communication.

When Fidel is mentioned, Choco speaks of a very beautiful relationship, of friends. The closeness with the Commander made him know his wisdom and his greatest virtues as a human being: "He is a man who has not died nor will die, he continues accompanying us".

You will then understand the phrase that gives title to my commentary and that stems from his commitment to Fidel, because "sometimes we lose the cow for the goat, and when we lose the culture, everything will be lost. Let us look with long vision". It is the advice of an ordinary Cuban, who defends at all costs what he feels, from his little corner.

Source: La Jiribilla