“I'm dedicated to painting, and it's a part of my life; creativity comes naturally to me, it's an obsession to paint,” says Lorenzo Pantoja Hernández, a 72-year-old man in Holguín who, in addition to being a shoeshiner, creates artworks using recycled egg cartons, which have recently started to gain visibility on social media.
The story was shared by content creator melissahabla_ in several videos posted on Instagram, where she showcases the work of Lorenzo, who claims to have been dedicated to painting for years, as seen in one of the audiovisual materials circulated on social media.
As he explained, his creative process starts with humble materials that he collects and transforms: "These are cardboard pieces that I gather... the ones from egg cartons are actually useful; those are the ones I use. I cut them up, paint them, apply vinyl, grid them, and create the artwork."
The artist works under very limited conditions. In his testimony, he acknowledges the lack of basic resources: “There are no good brushes, I don’t have access to those expensive brushes.” Nevertheless, he insists that painting is a personal necessity.
The images released show an improvised space functioning as a studio, with leaks in the ceiling, worn furniture, and materials organized in recycled boxes. There, the artist creates free-style and figurative works, many of which incorporate abstract and symbolic elements.
The content creator who documented the case highlighted the human and artistic value of the protagonist. "A grandfather who shows that art is created simply," she stated in the video.
During the visit, he also provided some food, in addition to sharing his story to raise awareness. In another post, he explained that he is working on an initiative to promote and sell his paintings. “This video was created to give more visibility to Mr. Lorenzo's art, so that people who want to buy one of his paintings can do so,” he stated.
He also indicated that he is organizing an exhibition to showcase his work: "Soon at the exhibition of Mr. Lorenzo Pantoja... you will be able to see his work in person and of course have the privilege of purchasing one of his paintings."
Lorenzo himself expressed what it means to him for his work to be recognized: “I take pride in people going and seeing my work, as it allows them to appreciate my efforts and sacrifices.”
And he added, “It means a lot to me, I do it with love.”
The posts have generated a wide reaction on social media, with messages of support, interest in acquiring their works, and offers of assistance. Users highlight their talent and the story behind their work, with comments such as "A man with such humility and no resources transforms cardboard boxes into wonderful works of art," "People like this deserve visibility," and "How can I buy one of their paintings?"
Messages from individuals interested in collaborating, attending a future exhibition, or contributing materials are also repeated, reactions that highlight the impact of the dissemination of his work and how his story has resonated with those who see in him not just talent, but also a vocation born from perseverance, creativity, and a love for painting, even under very limited conditions.
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