After all of the Latin American Philosophy reading that we have been doing in Octavio Paz's, Labyrinth of Solitude, we finally begin the analyzation of incredible Latin American works of art. This is more of what I thought that I would be getting myself into when I registered for Latin American Humanities a few months ago.
As a Latin American studies major, the majority of my classes begin the semester with some sort of Old World / New World tie in to set the stage for what occurred at the moment of conquest and even in order to better understand what is currently happening in modern day Middle, Central, and South America. Anyone who has begun to familiarize themselves with Iberian culture and civilization in Latin America will easily recognize the names of men like Hernan Cortez, Simon Bolivar, Agustine de Iturbide, or Antonio Lopez de Santa Ana. These men contributed greatly to the conquering and colonization of what today forms what is commonly known as "Latin America." That being said, after numerous reading assignments, papers, and class discuccions, the name that has continually stuck with me is that of Friar Bartolome de las Casas. As a true Christian, model citizen, and sincere proponent of the defense of indigenous peoples' rights, Casas has inspired countless people to "go against the grain" of what's common, popular, and accepted to take a moral stand. The following work of art entitled "Friar Barolome de las Casas" displays just that (see below).
Although he finished his life as a succesful Dominican Friar, that was not always the case for Casas. Arriving at the beginning of the 15th century, Casas came to the "New World" as an encomendero and motivated entrepreneur. After having been compelled by numerous Friar's and religious leaders, the words of Father Antonio de Montesinos changed Casas and led him to his new life's calling that would change his future and ultimately change the course of Latin American Colonization. This change of heart is exactly what attracted me to this picture.
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| Felix Parra, "Friar Barolome de las Casas" (Dawn Ades, Art in Latin America, 35) |
Symbolizing the inner change of heart within Casas are the cross which he bears in his right hand and also the pillar of light that appears to be descending upon him directly above his head. The way that the cross of Christ is gripped firmly in his hand with his arms in the crossed position displays Casas' willingness to make sacrifices for his newfound life's calling. With his arms crossed and bearing the symbol of Christianity, it's as if Casas is defending his position and refusing to back down from what he feels is an extreme injustice in the discrimination, persecution, and enslaving of native indigenous peoples. For me the pillar of light directly above Casas' head represents the celestial inspiration that often accompanies radical change that is just, yet contradict all of society's social norms and mores.
At his feet lay the bodies of both a mortally wounded indigenous man and a European (one would presume Spanish) woman clinging to Casas's lower half. These bodies, in my opinion, represent the predicament facing Casas' at the time of his repentance and newfound devotion to serving the God of all the earth. The bloody and lifeless body of the Indian presents the life that Casas' was to leave behind and the sins that only his Savior could remove from him as a previously abusive encomendero. On the other hand, and equally influential is the abrasive, european woman who, regardless of how he tries to move forward (notice the lack of attention that he gives to her pleas), continually reminds him of what Spanish society and customs desire of him. Casas is fixed and determined in the painting with a sturdy pose displaying his commitment to what has occured to him to be just, proper, and wholesome. As a direct bi-product of his conversion to the cause of the native, Casas' work would produce "The New Laws" of 1542 and timeless works of A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies and the Apologetic History of the Indies.
I have always been inspired by people that stand firmly for something that they truly believe in no matter how "backwards" it may appear. I have a few heros that I have always looked up to. Great men like Kurt Cobain, Billy Corgan, and Dennis Rodman (this is actually true, but I'm being sarcastic), yet one of the most special people that I have taken a great deal of interest in as of late is Mother Teresa. Her denouncement of worldy riches and willingness to continue to be a good person even when her faith in God was at an all time low continues to motivate me to be an active proponent of what's right in a world with continually decreasing morals. The world needs more young people like Mother Teresa and Bartolome de las Casas and I hope that in some way, great or small, I can follow in their footsteps and be an active promoter of kindess and love for all mankind.
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