Celebrated Cuban artist Eduardo Roca Salazar, widely known as "Choco," has passed away at the age of 76 in Havana. The National Council of Plastic Arts (CNAP) shared the news of his demise on their Facebook page.
In a heartfelt announcement, the CNAP expressed, "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Eduardo Roca Salazar, our beloved Choco, a National Award for Plastic Arts recipient and a significant figure in Cuban culture." The council extended its condolences to his family, friends, and admirers.
Born on October 13, 1949, in Santiago de Cuba, Choco honed his craft at the School for Art Instructors, graduating in 1965, and later at the National Art School in 1970. He continued his education at the University of Havana, earning a degree in Art History.
From the mid-1970s, Choco worked at the Experimental Graphics Workshop in Havana's Plaza de la Catedral, where he refined his hallmark technique, collagraphy. This printmaking method combines collage, recycled materials, acrylics, and natural pigments to create intricate textures and dynamic effects.
Choco's work is distinguished by its profound Afro-Cuban symbolism, drawing inspiration from Yoruba mythology, Santería, and Afro-Caribbean roots, which earned him a unique position in both Cuban and international visual arts.
Throughout his illustrious career, Choco garnered accolades across multiple continents: the Honorary Medal at the Graphic Salon in Bulgaria in 1981, the First Prize in small format engraving in Galicia, Spain, in 1984, and the Grand Prize at the IV International Print Triennial in Kochi, Japan, in 1999.
In 2000, he also received the First Prize at the Kochi Print Biennial, and in 2017, he was awarded the National Award for Plastic Arts, the highest honor bestowed by the CNAP and the Cuban Ministry of Culture.
His works are featured in the collections of the National Museum of Fine Arts in Cuba, the Museum of African Art in Chicago, the Museum of the Print in Mexico, the Kochi Museum in Japan, and the Joan Miró Foundation in Palma de Mallorca.
Choco was an active member of the National Council of the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (UNEAC) and the International Association of Plastic Artists, holding numerous solo and group exhibitions both in Cuba and internationally.
The UNEAC mourned his loss, describing him as "one of the great masters of Cuban visual arts" and emphasizing that "his work, marked by expressive strength and the cultural identity of our nation, made him an essential figure in contemporary visual arts."
Choco's passing comes just weeks after the death of fellow National Award for Plastic Arts recipient Ever Fonseca, who passed away on March 29 at 87, marking a period of significant mourning for Cuban visual arts.
The UNEAC concluded their tribute with a statement that encapsulates Choco's enduring legacy: "His departure leaves a void in the artistic community and the nation, but his work will continue to be a living testament to the creativity and sensibility that distinguished him."
Eduardo Roca "Choco" and His Artistic Legacy
Who was Eduardo Roca "Choco"?
Eduardo Roca "Choco" was a renowned Cuban visual artist known for his unique collagraphy technique and his Afro-Cuban symbolism. He received numerous international awards and was a significant figure in both Cuban and global art scenes.
What is collagraphy?
Collagraphy is a printmaking process that involves creating a collage on a printing plate using various materials. This technique allows artists to achieve deep textures and dynamic visual effects, as exemplified in Choco's work.
What awards did Choco receive during his career?
Choco received numerous accolades, including the Honorary Medal at the Graphic Salon in Bulgaria, the First Prize in small format engraving in Spain, and the Grand Prize at the International Print Triennial in Japan. He was also awarded the National Award for Plastic Arts in Cuba.