Vol. 9 No. 1 (2019)

We have the pleasure of illustrating the cover of our most recent issue, 9(1), with the work Solidaridad (Solidarity), by the artist Juan Carlos Chavarría. It is a piece that measures 94 cm x 94 cm and it employs a mixed technique, with its texture created with real fire weapons. It is part of the collection Transformación en tiempos violentos (Transformation in Violent Times), sponsored, among others, by the Organization of American States (OAS), the University for Peace (UPEACE), and the Ministries of Culture and Youth, of Justice and Peace, and of Public Security, of the Republic of Costa Rica.

The foundation promotes peace, disarmament and positive change. The message they promote aims at the transformation of individuals, rather than at the mere physical transformation of objects (destroying weapons to create works of art). Currently, they focus on the prevention of violence in high risk communities and in jails of women, youngsters and men, as well as with people with addictions and people in indigenous communities.