In the IV edition of the Panorama International Arts Festival (PIAF) 2024, organized by the Writers Capital International Foundation, Miguel Ángel Guiñazu, a celebrated artist from Argentina, brings forth two remarkable pieces of art that embody the theme of fire, symbolizing passion, transformation, and resilience. His works reflect not only artistic brilliance but also profound metaphors of life, human relationships, and the survival of the planet’s ecosystems.
Guiñazu’s sculptural masterpiece, the “Tango Couple,” is a vivid representation of Argentine culture and the passionate embrace of tango. Crafted from a stunning combination of Inca Onyx, Black Onyx, and Rhodochrosite (the national stone of Argentina), with intricate 18k gold details on the shoes and hat, the sculpture radiates a fiery connection between two bodies intertwined in dance.
Tango, for Guiñazu, is a dance of fire—an embrace that ignites the essence of being. The tango couple reflects the complexities of human relationships, where bodies move together in harmony, following unspoken rules, much like the rhythm of life itself. This dance, in its purest form, is a dialogue of vibrations and sensations, stripped of lies or pretense. It is an open communication where the fire of passion blazes, as each moment in the dance carries a story, an unpredictable outcome, and the profound energy of connection.
The tango, like fire, stirs emotions deeply embedded within us, creating a powerful metaphor for the dance of life—its rhythms, desires, and the eternal pull of gravity that keeps us grounded yet always reaching for more.
In a reflective exploration of fire’s symbolic depth, Guiñazu draws a spiritual parallel between his artistic representation of Christ and the element of fire. Christ, in this interpretation, is not merely a figure of divine transcendence but an active force radiating light and fire in all directions. This sacred fire, as described in the scriptures, is both life-giving and purifying—a cosmic force that heals and transforms.
The fire of Christ, akin to the Holy Spirit, contrasts with the destructive, infernal flames that ravage the Earth. His fire is the light that illuminates, the love that binds, and the power that transforms life itself. In this theological reflection, Guiñazu invites us to see fire not only as a physical phenomenon but as a spiritual force that burns with purpose, cleansing and renewing all it touches. The fire on the cross, and the blood of Christ, symbolically unite to bring a new baptism—a baptism of fire that heralds the completion of His divine mission.
Guiñazu’s mural painting of the “Elephant” takes us into the heart of nature, where these majestic creatures, threatened with extinction, serve as guardians of the environment. Elephants, as Guiñazu illustrates, are not just animals; they are symbols of life’s interdependence and the resilience of ecosystems. In Africa, where their numbers are dwindling, elephants play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity, fostering the survival of countless other species.
The elephants’ unique abilities to dig for water during dry spells and to disperse seeds as they travel vast distances highlight their importance in sustaining life. They are, in essence, the environmental firefighters—preventing further ecological degradation by nurturing the planet in their quiet, noble way. Without them, the balance of nature would be irreparably damaged, and the increasing threat of their extinction poses a grave risk to the global ecosystem.
Through the story of the elephant, Guiñazu connects the theme of fire with survival and renewal. The elephant’s existence, like fire, is essential for the regeneration of life. As they sow seeds and provide water, they metaphorically quench the fires of environmental destruction, ensuring the continuity of forests and the preservation of life itself.
Born and raised in La Plata, Argentina, Miguel Ángel Guiñazu has been shaping stone since childhood. Under the guidance of his father, Juan Guiñazu, he inherited a passion for sculptural works, honing his craft through years of dedicated practice and study. His artistic journey has expanded beyond stone to encompass ceramics, drawing, painting, and mural creation, making him a versatile and respected artist both in Argentina and internationally.
Grateful for the talents bestowed upon him, Guiñazu credits his work to divine inspiration, always acknowledging God’s blessings in his ability to create exclusive pieces. His sculptures, murals, and paintings not only captivate art lovers but also inspire poets and writers. Guiñazu’s contribution to literature is immortalized in Cristina Cuesta’s novel Your Hell or Mine, where his insights into sculpture are woven into the fabric of the story, highlighting the profound connection between his art and human narratives.
Miguel Ángel Guiñazu’s works in PIAF 2024 are a testament to the power of fire as a metaphor for human passion, spiritual transformation, and environmental preservation. Whether through the fiery embrace of a tango couple, the purifying light of Christ, or the life-sustaining presence of elephants, Guiñazu’s art reminds us that fire, in its many forms, is a force that shapes, renews, and sustains life on Earth.
As we engage with his art, we are called to reflect on the fires that burn within us—the passion to connect with others, the spiritual flames that guide us, and the fires of resilience that ensure our planet’s survival for generations to come.
