CAMAGÜEY. – There are men whose mere presence lights up a room, even though, pains and limitations may be hidden behind their smile. Nazario Salazar, at 84 years old, faces the challenges of his age: mobility issues, aftereffects of neurological episodes, and the weight of years lived intensely. However, it seems that all those afflictions vanish whenever he greets or extends his hand, or gives a warm look. It is in these moments that we remember the greatness of his generation, the importance of looking toward them, and deeply valuing them while we have them among us.
Camagüey began the year with an invaluable gift: the presence of Nazario Salazar, one of its most beloved artistic personalities. His ability to inspire through his work and his humanity is a gift that few possess. At the opening of the Mira Gallery's retrospective exhibition Personalidad del Arte (Personality of Art), organized by the Hermanos Saíz Association (AHS) to celebrate his 65 years of career, Nazario reaffirmed the magical connection he has with his people.
The event, more than an exhibition, was a dialogue between generations. The literary café La Comarca became a space to reflect on his legacy and the values he has defended. During the conversation, he not only spoke about art but shared his life philosophy, full of humility, a love for knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to personal and collective transformation.
“I always say that the best director of culture is a cultured person,” he said, recalling his early years as a promoter with the Brigada Hermanos Saíz in the '70s. For Nazario, that stage was a springboard for experimentation, innovation, and giving the best of himself: “That workshop – which was located in the provincial Culture Directorate where he worked as a promoter – was not just a workshop for hand-painted posters; it became a creation space influenced by Polish design, where we wanted to make things that hadn’t been done before.”
Despite the physical challenges he faces today, Nazario remains a tireless creator. With emotion, he shared that he has seven new pieces that deeply satisfy him: “As long as this moves like it should –” he said, showing his hands – “and this is in place” – he emphasized, touching his head – “I’ll have to do it. My father, who died at the age I am now, was working 15 days before he passed. That example always stays with me.”
He also spoke about his connection to José Martí, an inexhaustible source of inspiration for his Colibrí project, dedicated to miniature art. “Martí said: ‘Art cannot, I affirm it absolutely, be realistic. It loses its best quality, personality.’ If you’re not able to go against what you see and create, what are you doing: copying?”
At another moment during the conversation, he reflected on the teachings of his home. He recalled the minibiblioteca (mini-library) his father prepared for him before he was born, with works such as those of Jack London, and the practical lessons he learned helping in the family workshop. “Today, young people come to university not knowing how to sweep. My father prepared us for the future, and that allowed me to pay for my studies by cleaning floors and working from the age of 13. What do young people today receive to prepare them to face life?”
Nazario, a man of faith and a deep reader of the Bible, highlighted how daily reading has enriched his love for Martí: “Martí’s teachings come from the book of Proverbs,” he said with a certainty that can only come from someone who has dedicated his life to reflection and sharing.
Despite the physical pain, he admitted to feeling at that moment in his leg, his presence radiated serenity and gratitude. With a smile always on his face, he assured: “I cannot show my troubles to others. When I commit to something, it must be something very serious for me not to fulfill it. All of you are important to me, like sons or grandchildren.”
During the conversation, we not only heard from Nazario, but we also saw him recognize those around him with overflowing gratitude. He thanked his doctor, who accompanies him in his daily battle against pain and praised teacher Matilde Varela, a pillar in his formation, whom he will always hold in respect and affection. He valued the work of painter Ileana Sánchez, to whom he offered warm words for her originality, as well as that of Joel Jover and the depth of the photographs of José Gabriel “Pepe” Martínez, marking the uniqueness of each one.
But it wasn’t just about his words: there were also those in the room who wanted to return that recognition. Matilde shared the story of her surprise upon seeing him enrolled in one of her courses, a giant of art sitting as a student eager to learn. Ileana highlighted the close relationship they have built as colleagues and defined him as a paradigm of good taste in Camagüey.
Even the young people, who have found in Nazario an unshakable guide, took the floor to emphasize his infinite generosity, his willingness to always keep the doors open, and the creativity that radiates in every piece of advice and conversation. It was an exchange that reflected not only the greatness of the artist but also the warmth of the human being.
Nazario Salazar, through his work, his words, and his example, continues to be a pillar of Camagüey's culture. In every gesture and reflection, he shows the depth of his soul. His legacy transcends art: he is a teacher of life, a man deeply loved in his homeland.
Translated by Linet Acuña Quilez