The streets of Buenos Aires are filled with thousands of people who call the cold concrete their home, two of these people became our friends: Hugo and Malvina.
After a good number of hours enjoying the company and perspective of our newfound street friends, I began to develop a real affection for this incredible couple. Wanting to bless them both I decided to make a huge portrait of Hugo and give it to him as a gift. Having been given some money by some friends we decided to invite all our new homeless friends to a banquet, inspired by a story Jesus told in Luke’s Gospel.
So armed with masses of food, fizzy drinks and cake we went to the park where Hugo and Malvina hang out. In the context of this feast with other homeless friends I gave Hugo his portrait. He was speechless and seemed close to tears. It obviously was a profound gift for him and touched him and his wife Malvina deeply. Together, we hung the work up and let it speak to passers by of beauty beyond the surface. A loud shout to an apathetic world that Hugo, a man so often ignored, existed and did so beautifully, his life, like anyone’s is one we should embrace.
