Cultural institutions and prominent figures in Cuba mourned the death of painter Ever Fonseca, National Prize for Visual Arts recipient, considered one of the great exponents of contemporary visual art.
The Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (UNEAC) expressed its sorrow at the passing of the artist, whose work is distinguished by its originality and profound commitment to national identity.
Cuban culture has lost one of its most important figures, the organization stated.
For his part, the Minister of Culture, Alpidio Alonso, affirmed that the news “hits us very hard” and highlighted Fonseca’s absolute dedication to teaching and to the values of painting, as well as his revolutionary consistency.
The Deputy Minister of Culture, Lizette Martínez, recalled that the artist was a guerrilla fighter in the Sierra Maestra mountains, founder of the National School of Visual Arts, and a teacher for more than two decades.
“His works are a blend of strength and mystery, Cuban color and a universal soul.”
Fonseca, born in Manzanillo in 1938, held dozens of solo exhibitions and participated in more than 400 group shows in some twenty countries.
His work is part of the collections of the National Museum of Fine Arts of Cuba and institutions in Poland, Lithuania, and the United Nations.
Awarded the National Prize for Visual Arts in 2012, the National Culture Distinction, and the Alejo Carpentier Medal, the artist left a legacy that influenced generations of artists.
At the family’s request, his ashes will rest in the Pantheon of the Ministry of Culture at the Colón Cemetery.
Ever doesn’t leave completely; he remains in his work and in the generations he shaped, Lizette Martínez said.
[ SOURCE: PRENSA LATINA ]
