September 5, 2024, 1:50 PM
September 5, 2024, 1:50 PM
The historic mural by Lorgio Vaca, which for more than 50 years adorned the Los Tajibos hotel, has been relocated to a space open to the public, where it can now be appreciated by all Santa Cruz residents and visitors.
“This mural is here to engage in dialogue with the people, with the children, the students, the elderly and the foreigners who visit us. It is a tribute to life that passes and does not stop.“, said an emotional Lorgio Vaca, who recalled horseback rides around a small Santa Cruz of yesteryear with barely 80,000 inhabitants, accompanied by his father, Carlos Vaca Rivera.
“After half a century, This mural is once again ready to engage in dialogue forever with the new generations,” he added.
The relocation process was not easy. Businessman Samuel Doria Medina said that when they acquired the hotel in 2016, they found that the building had been left in a parking lot after several renovations. “It was not the best place for such a significant work”said.
After careful planning, the mural was dismantled stone by stone under the supervision of Lorgio Vaca himself. “We were encouraged to move this work with great care and with the advice of experts in culture and architecture, such as Fernando Prado and Gustavo Dellien. Now, this piece will be available for everyone to enjoy.regardless of whether they enter the hotel or not,” explained Doria Medina.
Sarita Mansilla, municipal secretary of Culture and Tourism, highlighted Doria Medina’s courage in supporting the relocation of the mural to a public space. “This mural is a permanent conversation with the people, It tells of our customs, our traditions, our way of seeing things.“, Mansilla said.
“We unite peoples and cultures through art,” he added, as the audience enthusiastically applauded the artist.
The mural, now located on the sidewalk of the hotel, on the third inner ring between San Martín Avenue and Radial 23, It is available to be contemplated by all passers-by, who will be able to enjoy a living piece of Santa Cruz history and art.
