24x30 in. Acrylic, Flashe and Gold Leaf on wood panel. 2024
“The freedom to which we are called presupposes going out of oneself, the breaking down of our selfishness and of all the structures that support our selfishness; the foundation of this freedom is openness to others. The fullness of liberation – a free gift from Christ- is communion with God and other human beings.”
Gustavo Gutiérrez-Merino Díaz OP was a Peruvian philosopher, Catholic theologian, and Dominican priest who was one of the founders of liberation theology in Latin America. His 1971 book “A Theology of Liberation” is considered pivotal to the formation of liberation theology. A book that would go on to influence many other the last 50 years including myself. After Gustavo passed just a few weeks ago at the age of 96, I immediately began on Icon of him. Fr. Gustavo taught me that liberation is as much an exodus away from wicked systems as it is communion with “the other”. The poor are sacred to God. If you are looking for Jesus, go walk around your neighborhood and you’ll probably find him.
As a priest it said he was described as a "humble man with a great capacity to make friends", he combined his work as a theologian and lecturer at top universities with his work as a priest, officiating at weddings and holding retreats. He was well known by the way he connected with people talking about chess, traditional music, cinema, and his support for Alianza Lima football club. I depict him doing just that in this icon. Wandering the streets of Lima. He once said, “So you say you love the poor? Name them.” I do not doubt he could.