Latin American sacred art arrives in Europe

Latin American sacred art arrives in Europe: "Chrispapita" presents "Virgen del Remedio" at the Co-Cathedral of Alicante
This is the first time that a Guatemalan artist has permanently installed sacred art in a European church.

This Sunday, August 3rd, at the end of the midday Mass, the work "Virgen del Remedio" was presented in the Co-Cathedral of San Nicolás in Alicante. This work is by Guatemalan artist Christian Escobar, known internationally as Chrispapita. The ceremony took place during the patron saint festivities, which take place from August 3rd to 5th in honor of Our Lady of Remedio, patron saint of the city.

The painting, 2 meters high by 1.80 meters wide, was done in acrylic on canvas using the hyperrealism technique, Chrispapita's signature style, which allows for a human and deeply expressive representation of the Blessed Virgin of Remedio, whose devotion in Alicante dates back to the 16th century.

The event was presided over by the Parish Priest and Dean of the Co-Cathedral, Don Ramón Egio, enthusiastically presented the painting, which will now remain permanently on display in Alicante's main church. Thanks to the efforts of Don Manuel José Rodríguez-Murcia, whose commitment and devotion to Our Lady of Remedy made this significant project a reality.

During his presentation, Don Ramón Egio highlighted the profound spiritual meaning of the work, emphasizing the mastery with which Chrispapita has captured Marian devotion in a work that connects with the tradition and faith of the people of Alicante. With this addition, the artist becomes the first Guatemalan to have a work of sacred art permanently displayed in a European church, a milestone for Latin American art.

In his words, Chrispapita expressed the motivation behind the work: "It is a tribute to Our Lady of Remedy. I wanted to pay tribute to the mother so beloved by this city, which has welcomed me and my family in such a wonderful way." As a family, we wanted to give this gift to our patron saint.”

The project also received financial support from Capillas Señoriales, a funeral services company with a presence in several Latin American countries; and institutional support from the Guatemalan NGO Fundación Ríos por la Paz, entities that contributed to the work becoming part of Alicante’s spiritual and artistic heritage.

With this work, Chrispapita not only pays tribute to the Mother of Remedy and the Christian roots that unite the Ibero-American peoples, but also establishes a historical precedent that paves the way for future collaborations between the Spanish-American artistic tradition and European cultural heritage.

About the artist: Christian Escobar, known by his pseudonym “Chrispapita,” was born in Guatemala City in 1982. He is a dentist by profession and a self-taught artist, with an extraordinary gift for Hyperrealist Art. He uses the chiaroscuro technique, typical of the Classical Baroque of Italian origin, drawing inspiration from contemporary themes. His work is dominated by human figures and the relationship of man with the spiritual world.

Work: “Virgin of Remedy”

Artist: Christian Escobar (Chrispapita)

Technique: Acrylic on canvas

Measurements: 2m x 1.80 m

Place: Co-Cathedral of San Nicolás de Alicante (Spain)

Exhibition dates: permanent

Free admission
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