The Spirit of Osvaldo Sánchez Terrazas
LIVES ON IN FIRST MEMORIAL PAINTING COMPETITION
Jeffrey Coleman
Projects Abroad Volunteer
Family of the deceased painter establishes artistic competition to commemorate the life of Oswaldo Sánchez Terrazas (1924 – 2012)
Photo by: Ximena Noya
Photos: Courtesy of Villa Recreo
Photos: Courtesy of Villa Recreo
While the life of painter, sculptor, and poet Osvaldo Sánchez Terrazas was marked by his personal commitment to artistic expression,
an art competition at his estate in Tarata recently memorialized his artistic accomplishments by bringing together 50 artists
from Bolivia, Peru, and Sweden. The contest was designed by his wife and children with the intent of promoting artistic expression
and intercultural practices.
“The purpose is to generate a space … so that all painters of Bolivia can share their art, paint,
and experiences,” says Walter Sánchez, son of Osvaldo and one of the organizers of the contest. The competition consisted
of two separate works by the participating artists. One work was an in-process painting created on the spot in the area of
Villa Recreo and Tarata. The second was a work previously created and exhibited between the dates of February 3rd and 5th,
2017. “The work in Villa Recreo was a vital experience for the artists,” says Walter. Most participants in the contest were
from Cochabamba, though other cities such as La Paz and Santa Cruz were well represented. Among the notable artists registered
were Remy Daza Rojas, Sansuste Zapata, Rosmery Mamani Ventura, Ramiro Baptista Revilla, and Vidal Cusi. “The number of artists
surpassed expectations,” reflected Walter, “A maximum of 30 high-level artists from all over Bolivia were expected. However,
there were 50 participants even from abroad. The masters, but also the new generations with new aesthetics and techniques.”
Photo by: Ximena Noya
The jury was comprised of three well established artists: Juan Terrazas, Fernando Ugalde, and Renato Estrada and two family
members (Enriqueta Canedo Vda., and Walter Sánchez Canedo). “I was most impressed with the high quality of the painters and
their professionalism,” states Walter. “The contest involved two paintings. The objective of this modality was to appreciate the sensitivity, the technique, the ability of the artists to capture the aesthetic of their surroundings, whether
landscape, social, architectural, etc. In this sense, works of great quality were painted.”
“The purpose is to generate a space … so that all painters of Bolivia can share their art, paint, and experiences,”
- says Walter Sánchez
Photo by: Ximena Noya
Photo by: Ximena Noya
The winner of this year’s contest
was Rosemary Mamani of La Paz for a work titled “A corner of Don Osvaldo.” The work is a mixed medium painting portraying
a sink in an entrance in Villa Recreo and was created between February 3rd and 4th. “What struck me about the work is that
there is no embellishment or ostentatious presentation. No metaphor. The forms of the objects are clear. It does not give
rise to any confusion,” explained Walter when asked about what differentiated the winning piece from the others. “It stands
out for its minimal character, a language deployed from the 1960s and 1970s by American artists like Andy Warhol, Tom Wasselman
and others - and now has its return.” With the success of this first competition, organizers are committed making it an annual
event.
“As the competition exceeded expectations, I am sure that next year there will be more participants,” said Walter.
“Having a contest’s location such as in a residence and in a space for sharing, I think that it is important that international
artists be able to participate,” said Walter regarding the importance of expanding the competition to include a broad mix
of Bolivian and foreign artists. “It would be a great opportunity … for our local painters to be nourished by new sensitivities,
new pictorial languages, and so on. Art is essentially the possibility of not only expressing on canvas or on a medium, but
also linking with the vitality of life. International artists will be welcome,”
-“What struck me about the work is that there is no embellishment or ostentatious presentation. No metaphor. The forms of
the objects are clear. It does not give rise to any confusion,”
Photos: Courtesy of Villa Recreo
Photos: Courtesy of Villa Recreo
Photos: Courtesy of Villa Recreo
Photos: Courtesy of Villa Recreo
Toro Toro
A TOWN FILLED WITH HISTORY, BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPES AND LIFE EXPERIENCES
Rebecca Nielsen
Projects Abroad Volunteer
Photo by: Rebecca Nielsen
If you are the one who enjoys adventures, beautiful landscapes, and wild experiences, you will like Toro Toro. It is difficult
to say what is the most incredible thing in the Toro Toro National Park. Maybe it is the way to be a tourist, which is an
adventure tourist. Toro Toro is not a place with many facilities, and the activities are risky and require specialized skills
and physical exertion. Nothing is built for tourists, even though it is a really touristic place. It is an active itinerary;
you are really meeting nature because of the difficult walking and jumping from one stone to another. That is a big experience
not only for geology and natural history lovers, but also for those who want to step off the well-trodden path to discover
an extraordinary place totally off the beaten track in Bolivia. It is perfect for those looking to explore a more hidden
part of Bolivia and visit one of the country’s most scenic and exciting national parks before the crowds get there.
Incredible waterfalls, a large cave with stalactites and stalagmites, some of the best preserved dinosaur tracks in South
America, and a “city of rocks” are among other attractions you can experience in the stunning Toro Toro National Park. At
the waterfall site, it is possible to bathe just like a under natural shower. It is so beautiful to watch!
The cave called
Humajalanta is an adventure; it is 4,600 meters long and 164 meters deep. It is filled with stalactites and stalagmites from
the Cretaceous period and they are well preserved, but you should not fear the dark! When you turn off your flashlight it
is totally dark inside and you can see nothing. Also, you better not have claustrophobia; you have to crawl through small
holes between stones. The cave also has waterfalls, which can be heard and seen with a powerful beam of light. The dinosaur
footprints can be found in several locations. There are more than 2,500 footprints from different kinds of dinosaurs (biped
and quadruped dinosaurs, theropods and sauropods); the largest footprint is one meter across. It is amazing how clear you
can still see it, even though it is 145 million years old.
- Incredible waterfalls, a large cave with stalactites and stalagmites, some of the best preserved dinosaur tracks in South America
Photo by: Rebecca Nielsen
Photo by: Rebecca Nielsen
The “city” made of stone is indeed an incredible experience. You will hike for some hours and see stones looking like animals
such as an elephant, a turtle, and a fish. Additionally, you will see wall paintings on the rocks, which are millions of
years old. That was the way you communicated with each other in the time before there was an alphabet.
The paintings are
drawn with animal blood and color from plants and it are just like a tattoo: they will never disappear. On a tour to Toro
Toro, you will visit breathtaking views and explore fascinating, memorable, and unique natural attractions. It is very challenging
for adventure lovers and is well worth a visit.
The park also offers scrubby woodland with wildlife flocks of parakeets.
It has lush and tropical vegetation with many different sorts of plants and animals. For example, if you are lucky, you will
see the only species of endangered red-fronted rainbow macaws found in South America. The park is an extraordinarily authentic
paradise with deep canyons and valleys. Panoramic landscapes eroded by wind and waters make it even more extraordinary.
Next to the town is Toro Toro National Park, which was founded in 1989. The park covers an area of 164 square kilometers.
Photo by: Rebecca Nielsen
Photo by: Rebecca Nielsen
Small charming houses, buildings, hotels, museums, and narrow streets made of stones make up the small town. The town itself
has a small area with shops and places to eat; however, there are no pharmacies and no internet cafés and that makes it somewhat
primitive.
Toro Toro has a population of 10,700. Almost everybody knows each other and everybody is really kind and open
minded, it makes for a good atmosphere. In Toro Toro the language is not only Spanish, but Quechua as well as the culture.
The Quechua people are the indigenous peoples of South America who speak any of the Quechua languages. The women wear colorful
traditional clothes and both men and women wear bowler style hats.
Toro Toro is an ancient town in Bolivia founded about
250 years ago. Next to the town is Toro Toro National Park, which was founded in 1989. The park covers an area of 164 square
kilometers. It is situated in the northern Potosí department, 140 kilometers south of Cochabamba. You can only come to Toro
Toro from Cochabamba. There are buses that travel from Cochabamba to Toro Toro and viceversa. The roads are mainly old cobblestone
ones most of the way but well worth the travel. In travel books about Bolivia, you will found more information as how to
get there and what to do and so on. Maybe the book will recommend an agency you can use to get transportation, lodging, and
a guided tour.
The story behind Mother’s Day
THE HEROINES OF THE HILL FOUGHT
FOR FREEDOM
Melanie Hazenberg
Projects Abroad Volunteer
Photo by: Melanie Hazenberg
Mother’s Day can be one of the
most beautiful days or a painful
reminder of a missing piece of your
life. This day is being celebrated
by people all over the world, but
in Bolivia it is more special than
anywhere else. Not only because
a woman is the most important
person in a home, but also because
of the history of the 27th of May,
which has been one of the most
important
For some mothers, Mother’s Day is the best day of
their lives. For mothers in Europe with young children,
Mother’s Day is most of the time over after five minutes
after they gave their presents. Then it is just like every day,
Children’s Day! On Mother’s Day, we pay homage to the
one who gave us life. The woman is the most important
person in a home, especially in Bolivia. She is the one who is
in charge of the household economy and the support of the
entire household. The women from this unique day in May
in Bolivia are “The Heroines of the Hill.” Allow me to explain
this special story.
Women fighting for freedom
May 27th, 1812 was the first time women participated in battle. In 1812, Latin
America was fighting for independence from Spain. The king of Spain sent
general Goyeneche to the valleys of Cochabamba. While the men were dying in
a bloody battle, the women decided to defend their community by themselves.
Under the orders of Josefa Manuela Gandarillas (who was elderly and blind), an
army was formed. The army consisted only of women, children, and elders. They
were armed with small weapons such as saucepans and sticks. They climbed the
Coronilla (San Sebastián Hill) with the belief “Our home is sacred,” carrying the
image of the Virgin of Mercy. On May 27th, 1812, a day we will never forget,
the inevitable happened. General Goyeneche and his army slaughtered hundreds
of women. There was plenty of pain in the community, but through this pain
grew new hope. The women who were killed, are now known as “Heroinas de
la Coronilla” or “Heroines of the Hill.” Every year, millions of Bolivians celebrate
Mother’s Day on this date, remembering these heroic women. Today, their lives
and the battle they lost are remembered as one of the most special days of the
year. There is always a big party during Mother’s Day.
Way of celebrating in Bolivia
Typically in Bolivia, children from elementary schools invite their mothers to their
schools. At school, the children show their mothers what they have learned, such
as some typical Bolivian dances or tender songs. The children have been practicing
for a month to do this performance, so everything is done with pure happiness
and delight. It is a very special day for the mothers and their children. Not only
because they can show their mothers their beautiful dances, but also because of
the special meaning of this day as I mentioned previously. Almost every mother
celebrates Mother’s Day at the same way.
Special day for every mother in the world
For mothers all around the world this day is very special. Only Bolivia celebrates
Mother’s Day on the 27th but it is a big party everywhere.
“I really like to be aware of the great relationship I have with my kids once a year.
I am very grateful. The most beautiful presents for Mother’s Day were when my
kids were little. They gave my self-made crafts. I still kept everything somewhere.”
(The Netherlands) Another reaction is: “We always celebrate Mother’s Day with
presents, breakfast in bed, and we are also going to the grandmothers, because
they are mothers, too.” (The United States). “In Bolivia, they celebrate this day
with a lot of joy in schools. Mother’s Day is a very happy day for me. I am always
going to the school of the children, were they are showing me dances. My
husband buys always some presents and he and my kids make breakfast for me.
We are also always going to my mother to celebrate.”(Bolivia)
In the United States, Mother’s Day is a big event. Phone lines have heavy traffic
during this day and there is a peak in restaurants. Traditions in the United States
include breakfast in bed, giving flowers or other gifts. In France, people celebrate
this day on the last Sunday of the month of May. The mother is mostly being
honored with a cake that looks like a bouquet of flowers. In India, Mother’s Day is a big hype. It has been commercialized to a great extent. Big companies launch
women oriented products. Also the media creates a big hype about this day with
special television programs and features. Unlike other countries, Spain celebrates
Mother’s Day in December. The Spaniards pay not only tribute to their own
mothers, but also to Virgin Mary. So Mother’s Day is in general in Spain a religious
celebration. In England, the people already celebrated Mother’s Day in the 17th
century. This country was the first one to dedicate a day especially for mothers. In
the United Kingdom, there is the tradition to make a rich almond cake for mothers
called “Mothering Cake”’ or “Simnel Cake.”
I think it is very special to honor our mothers
on the day when hundreds of women died and
gave their lives.
Credits: static.panoramio.com/photos/large
Almost every mother celebrates Mother’s Day in
the same way.
I think that you now have a good understanding of how the Bolivian people
celebrate Mother’s Day and why on May 27th. I think it is very special to honor
our mothers on the day when hundreds of women died and gave their lives. Every
country has a special reason to honor mothers on this beautiful day.
Sources
http://info.handicraft-bolivia.com/Mother-s-Day-an-event-tied-to-Bolivia-s-history-a30-sm162
https://www.bolivianlife.com/mo class="sources"thers-day-bolivian-women-dying-for-freedom/
http://www.boliviabella.com/mothers-day.html
Bolivia Offers an Amazing 13
Amazon Basin Experience
at a Budget Price
THE HEROINES OF THE HILL FOUGHT
FOR FREEDOM
Jeffrey Coleman
Projects Abroad Volunteer
Photos by: Jeffrey Coleman
If you played a word association game with the average person and said
the word “Amazon Rainforest,” chances are you would hear the word
“Brazil” long before hearing the word “Bolivia.” Bolivia, however, has its
own little piece of Amazon basin beauty and it can be experienced for a
much lower price than a rainforest tour in its Brazilian counterpart.
While Brazil generally gets
the headlines, the Amazon
Basin actually spans nine
different South American countries.
With a footprint this large, it is hardly
a surprise that many lesser known
countries also offer the Amazon
experience and, generally, for less
money. Bolivia is particularly blessed in
that its basin area has both traditional
rainforest as well as wetland savannah
which affords spectacular wildlife
viewing during most times of the year.
Photos by: Jeffrey Coleman
- Rurrenenabaque it is generally only accessible by way of
a connecting flight through La Paz.
The jumping off point for many
tours of the Amazon is the small
town of Rurrenabaque. Service to
Rurrenabaque is provided by both
Eco-Jet and Amazonas airlines for
about 1,400 bolivianos, though
TAM offers flights on Wednesdays
and Fridays for about 900 bolivianos
round-trip. Unfortunately for
Cochabambinos, there is no direct
service to Rurrenenabaque and it is
generally only accessible by way of
a connecting flight through La Paz.
Despite the inconvenience, the overall
price is fairly reasonable and a room
can generally be found in town for 35 -
70 bolivianos.
After doing a little research online
for my tour of the Amazon, I chose
to visit the “pampas” or wetland
savannah area of the Amazon Basin.
Most tour companies operating out of
Rurrernabaque offer a three-day, twotwo-
night, all-inclusive package which
offers accommodations in either a
jungle or riverside lodge setting. These
packages range from 1,200-2,000
bolivianos, which is usually indicative of
the number of amenities and activities
offered by the agency.
Upon my arrival at the Rurrenabaque
airport, I was greeted by a taxi driver
who immediately asked if I was
interested in a tour (many of the
agencies work with the taxi drivers to
insure a steady stream of clients). I
informed him of what I was looking
for and my general price range, and
within 10 minutes I was brought to an
agency, Mashaquipe Cultural Eco-tours,
offering tours of both Las Pampas and
the rainforest for 1,800 bolivianos.
Be prepared to pay a national park
entrance fee of 150 bolivianos, making
the overall price tag 1,950 bolivianos.
My guide, David, helped me load my
understuffed backpack into the trunk
of his car. “You are the only visitor that
we have today. There are not as many
animals to see during this time of year
because it is very wet,” he said. “You
are lucky. You get a private tour.”
The lodge was a 2 ½ hour car ride over
unimproved roadways which made the
distance seem longer than it probably
was. While cars are useful in this area
of Bolivia, the narrow roads make
motorcycles the preferred means of
transportation here. I mentioned to
David that I could see living in Bolivia
and mentioned the prospect of buying
a car. “No, you want a motorcycle,”
he responded. After arriving at
our destination, it was a 10-minute
motorized canoe ride to the camp.
The camp was a small complex of
two-bed sleeping quarters, a bathroom
area, a dining hall, and a kitchen area.
The camp was very well maintained
and the sleeping quarters featured a
toilet, sink and shower and were very
clean. As we had arrived late in the
afternoon, “la cena” (dinner) was
served upon my arrival and consisted
of chicken, rice, fruits, and a salad.
Meals were excellent and prompt in the
morning at around 7:30, lunch soon
after returning from morning activities,
and dinner around 7 to 7:30PM.
Photos by: Jeffrey Coleman
Photos by: Jeffrey Coleman
Photos by: Jeffrey Coleman
- The camp was very well maintained
and the sleeping quarters featured a
toilet, sink and shower and were very
clean.
One of my main rationales for choosing
the Las Pampas tour over the Rainforest
tour was the prospect of seeing additional wildlife. After dark, David and I cruised the river
in search of caimanes, a relative of the crocodile. “You can
tell where they are by the yellow reflection off of their eyes,”
he said. After about30 minutes of flashlight scanning of the
river in our canoe, we found our target – a black caiman. He
was nestled under a patch of tree-cover extending over the
river. To my astonishment, we were able to draw the canoe
incredibly close, practically on top of the reptile without it
moving. “He is resting right now,” David said.
Upon returning from our late night expedition, I settled in for
bed. Sleeping quarters are provided with mosquito netting,
though my room seemed relatively free of them despite the
precaution. Though mosquitoes are prevalent during the
wet season, Las Pampas is relatively free of mosquito-borne
illnesses such as Malaria and Dengue. While not dangerous,
the mosquitos are extremely annoying and a strong insect
repellent is suggested to keep them at bay.
As with most quality tour companies, Mashaquipe offered
plenty of activities during the three-day, two-night tour.
During my stay, I was treated to river tours, a swim with
fresh-water dolphins, piranha fishing, and horseback
riding. I found the staff to be helpful and friendly, the
accommodations to be clean and well-maintained, and the
food to be excellent.
With my Amazonas flight leaving at 6:20PM, we departed
for Rurrenabaque at 1:30PM after a final, big lunch where
I met a pair of fellow travelers from England. They had just
returned from the jungle tour and, though they said they
had not seen much wildlife, they were expressly delighted
with their experience. It was a three-hour trip back to town
(stopping for refreshments along the way) with an agencysponsored
taxi giving a ride back to the airport.
All told, my experience in Las Pampas was an exceptional
journey to see an area of the planet that everyone should
see given the opportunity. As I discovered, Bolivia offers an
excellent chance to see these natural wonders without going
broke in the process and I would recommend the experience
to anyone with the time and a few extra bolivianos in their
wallet.
