Cuba Honors Painter Eduardo Roca Salazar 'Choco' After His Passing

The passing of Eduardo Roca Salazar, affectionately known as Choco, marks a profound loss for Cuba's vibrant artistic community. As reported by Granma, Choco was not merely a painter but a "master and notable creator of unmistakable style" whose innovative techniques, particularly in collography, elevated Cuban plastic arts on the international stage. His passing, at the age of 76, has been met with widespread mourning, with tributes pouring in from institutions like the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (Uneac) and the National Council of Plastic Arts.

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maestro y notable creador de inconfundible estilo

President Miguel Díaz-Canel himself took to social media to honor the artist, describing him as an "unbeatable Santiago native with an open heart, sharing it between the Homeland, family, and friends." This sentiment underscores the deep connection Choco had with his homeland, a connection that resonated powerfully in his art. Born in Santiago de Cuba in 1949, his artistic journey began early, leading to a distinguished career that earned him the National Plastic Arts Prize in 2017.

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ingenioso experimentador que elevó la colagrafía a un primer plano en la exigente plástica cubana

Choco's legacy extends far beyond Cuba's borders. His works, imbued with a profound sense of "Cubanidad," are part of museum collections in Sweden, the United States, Mexico, Spain, and Japan, among others. This international recognition speaks volumes about the universal appeal of his expressive force and cultural identity. For Cuba, Choco leaves behind a "kingdom of images and colors" that has undoubtedly raised the profile of contemporary Cuban art. His ability to capture the essence of the nation in his art ensures his place in the pantheon of Cuban cultural icons.

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el santiaguero imbatible de las puertas abiertas y el corazón compartido entre la Patria, la familia y los amigos