La Conversación Perdido de las Claves de la Vida

The artist dedicates this oil-on-canvas to his grandfather. The artist recalls:

“After college, I reunited with my grandfather during a family get-together with many relatives. I didn’t speak Spanish or share the family’s memories from the Salvadoran Civil War. I felt disconnected from them because we grew up in different places.”

The artist met a compact, sturdy man with remarkably large hands during the gathering. "His weathered skin spoke of hard work," the artist reminisces. It wasn't long before the artist discovered that the man at the party was his grandfather. The two had a brief exchange due to their language barrier. "I could understand Spanish but could not complete full sentences, so we had a very broken, hour-long conversation, and then I had to leave." During the pandemic, The artist and his wife took Spanish classes. "I always wanted to be fluent in Spanish, hoping for the chance to have a full conversation with my grandfather." Sadly, the family reunion marked the last conversation between the two. Jesus De La O died in December 2023. Until the end, he worked fields, picking cotton. 

The Stevie Wonder song Conversation Piece inspired the painting’s subtitle, The Lost Conversation to the Keys of Life, which refers to the communication the artist longed to have with his grandfather. "We lived completely different existences, as far apart as people can live. He could have taught me so much about life."

This piece captures the essence of the artist’s grandfather, marked by years of hard work and resilience. Jesus wears a dark, short-sleeved shirt and black hat, adding to his humble, hardworking demeanor. His posture is slightly stooped, and his arms hang naturally by his sides, revealing strong, muscular forearms and large, calloused hands, indicative of a lifetime of labor. The downturned eyes and subtle smile suggest humility, kindness, and wisdom. The background holds gradient blues, creating a stark contrast that highlights the figure’s expressive face and worn clothes. The lighting casts shadows, emphasizing the shirt folds, adding depth and realism. This poignant work highlights the artist’s profound respect and admiration—an ongoing dialogue captured in oil, transcending language barriers.