Elizam Escobar’s business will be public

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Following the painter and the poet, Elizam Escobar Ortiz It will be on Thursday, January 21 from 16:00 to 19:00 at the Casa de los Contrafuertes, Calle San Sebastián in San Juan Vechi.

The information about the funeral was confirmed today by a statement sent by his partner Yolanda Guerrios.

“In accordance with a permit granted for the celebration of the revival, it is necessary to comply with all protocols of compliance with strict measures to prevent COVID-19” read the writing.

The artist and former Puerto Rican prisoner died on January 15 at the age of 71, after health complications, according to the publications of friends and colleagues on social networks.

In early 2016, Escobar was diagnosed with cancer in the paranasal area and nasal cavity, which he underwent surgery.

Escobar distinguished himself in the field of art as a painter, poet and art teacher. In politics, he was a tireless advocate for Puerto Rico’s independence. His life was a constant struggle through demands for justice for society.

A member of a clandestine Puerto Rican movement fighting for Puerto Rico’s independence, Escobar was sentenced to prison in 1980 by the United States government on charges of conspiracy. He was imprisoned for 19 years, being released in 1999.

In an interview published in El Nuevo Día in 2016, he reiterated that he never regretted the country’s struggle for independence.

  • Escobar argued against the use of art as political propaganda and was in favor of artistic autonomy. (2018)

    Escobar argued against the use of art as political propaganda and was in favor of artistic autonomy. (2018) (Archive)

  • His paintings have been exhibited in New York, Chicago, Philadelphia and the Puerto Rican Institute of Culture. (2016)

    His paintings have been exhibited in New York, Chicago, Philadelphia and the Puerto Rican Institute of Culture. (2016) (LUIS ALCALA DEL OLMO)

  • Mural in honor of Elizam Escobar that was exhibited during

    Mural in honor of Elizam Escobar that was exhibited during “La Campechada” in 2016. (LUIS ALCALA DEL OLMO)

  • In the last years of his life, the artist was dean of the Painting Department of the School of Fine Arts in Puerto Rico. In the photo, with Antonio Martorell and Ivonne Maria Marcial. (2014)

    In the last years of his life, the artist was dean of the Painting Department of the School of Fine Arts in Puerto Rico. In the photo, with Antonio Martorell and Ivonne Maria Marcial. (2014) (Archive)

  • The artist served a long prison sentence after being found guilty while a member of the FALN. (2013)

    The artist served a long prison sentence after being found guilty while a member of the FALN. (2013) (Archive)

  • In the photo, he is accompanied by Ivelisse Jiménez and Teofilo Torres during the opening ceremony of Cine MAPR 2012.

    In the photo, he is accompanied by Ivelisse Jiménez and Teofilo Torres during the opening ceremony of Cine MAPR 2012. (Archive)

  • Together with the artist Irene Esteves at the opening of the exhibition

    Together with the artist Irene Esteves at the opening of the exhibition “Líricas” at the Ángel Ramos Foundation in 2013. (Archive)

  • Escobar was noted for being a theorist, poet, visual artist, and Puerto Rican art writer. The image, from 2007, was captured during the 40th anniversary of Galería Petrus with former governor Sila Calderón and Sylvia Villafañe.

    Escobar was noted for being a theorist, poet, visual artist and art writer in Puerto Rico. The image, from 2007, was captured during the 40th anniversary of Galería Petrus with former governor Sila Calderón and Sylvia Villafañe. (Archive)

  • As a child, he was born in Ponce and has always loved to draw and paint. After graduating from high school, he enrolled and attended the University of Puerto Rico to continue his artistic studies. (2010)

    As a child, he was born in Ponce and has always loved to draw and paint. After graduating from high school, he enrolled and attended the University of Puerto Rico to continue his artistic studies. (2010) (Archive)

  • In 2016

    In 2016, “La Campechada”, a holiday in honor of José Campeche, an 18th century Puerto Rican painter, considered one of the most important painters of his time, was dedicated to Elizam Escobar. (Archive)

“It simply came to our notice then. On the contrary, he would do better. But, obviously, every historical moment has its demand. In another forum they asked me if I would do it again and what I said is that I believe that every historical epoch has its contradictions and requirements. At the time when I participated in the clandestine armed struggle, this was important, significant and necessary for me, because there was a right-wing movement that had assassinated pro-independence activists, workers, burned newspapers … And here I have always had an armed struggle, since Indians so far. But, for example, when I arrived in Puerto Rico (in 1999), the main battle was against the Navy of Vieques, and the fight was peaceful resistance. And I respected and defended this type of fight. But at any time, when there is a different need, because you have to be creative, “he said at the time.

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