Readers write about the late artist Botero

Botero, universal Colombian

Readers write about the deceased artist, the memory that Pepe Domingo Castaño will leave in his listeners, loneliness, the right to rest and single-use packaging

I love Botero. Because of the way he paints, because he has managed to make his paintings and sculptures instantly recognizable as boaters even by the most ignorant, which makes him a universal Colombian. I love Botero for his way of defending what is correct, what is dignified, what is human, like his series of paintings in which he denounces the torture inflicted by the US military on Iraqi detainees in the infamous Abu Ghraib prison; The independence of the one who has achieved everything through his passion and work is easier to maintain but no one likes to poke the finger in the eye of the North American giant, even if he is completely right. I love Botero, because I have been to Medellín and I have walked through that forest of open-air boatmen trying to give back some of the much that Colombia gave them. I love Botero, but I will never be able to own one of his original works. I will content myself with visiting him in museums, galleries and open spaces of monumental works and paying him all my respects.

Luis Peraza Parga. Houston Texas)

A legend

He has left one of the historic voices of Spanish journalism, and the best voice on sports radio. As professional as he is endearing, as wise as he is a good person. His connection and joy with the public was brutal and unrepeatable. His ingenuity in his advertising campaigns and his artistry in the poetry of his radio columns are already unforgettable. He is going to be an essential part of the Spanish radio waves, but his voice and his verses will forever be a legend. In heaven, surely they are already waiting for you, tuning in to the famous “Hello, hello!” of this teacher who was, is and will be Don Pepe Domingo Castaño.

David Garcia. Madrid

modern loneliness

Alone, in a hectic and extremely boring world. Where I am in a hurry to get everywhere and where I am always inevitably late. Overwhelmed by living in a world that doesn't stop. Where we are bombarded by misfortunes that we swallow without problem, as long as they last less than 12 seconds and can slide to the left. Completely uninformed in the information age, where everyone is right, but none of them are valid. But, above all, disconnected from all the people around me, although in my hand I always carry something that I have become addicted to and from which I cannot take my eyes off. And because of all this I feel alone, terribly alone.

Aiala Belzunegui Díez. Madrid

Right to rest

“Monday closed for rest. Sorry for the inconvenience.” A few days ago, I saw this message at the corner bar in my neighborhood. Now, I look at myself and ask myself: at what point have we reached the point where we have to apologize for resting?

Javier Espinar Moreno. Nerja (Malaga)

Ban single-use packaging

How long will single-use containers continue to be allowed? When will it be required to establish deposits for its return or recycling? Do you think that people who throw away containers everywhere are going to stop doing it of their own free will? I do not think so.

Daniel González Martín. Lanzarote