Remembering Jesús Ruiz Nestosa: A Paraguayan voice in journalism and the arts

Jesús Ruiz Nestosa, a prominent Paraguayan journalist, critic, and photographer, has passed away. The author reflects on their Sunday WhatsApp exchanges, which ceased four to five weeks ago, leading to concern and a final, difficult phone call before Nestosa's death.

Nestosa began his career in the late 1950s at "La Tribuna," where his weekly column "Crónicas de un terráqueo" gained attention for its humor, irony, and incisive commentary on national issues. He later moved to "La Mañana" and then to "ABC Color" in 1967, where he headed the Art and Entertainment section and the cultural supplement.

As a theater critic alongside Josefina Plá and Oscar Trinidad, Nestosa's judgments were highly anticipated. His independence and expertise often led him to challenge theatrical productions that he felt misled the public. His passion extended to photography, with studies at the Rochester Institute of Technology and numerous exhibitions both in Paraguay and abroad. He also authored several books and collections of poetry.

Nestosa received significant accolades, including the Maestro del Arte in Visual Arts from the Centro Cultural de la República El Cabildo in 2020. However, the author notes that his greatest distinction was the affection, admiration, and respect of his colleagues and the public. He remained connected to Paraguayan events even after moving to Salamanca, Spain, contributing a weekly column.