Manuel Montañés García

Manuel Montañes García.

Work inspired by my maternal great-grandfather.

They say he was a man as strong as an oak, big and brave. In his youth he was a soldier in the Rif War, from where he returned alive and decorated.

Then he met my great-grandmother Juana González, in Antigua (Fuerteventura) and from there they migrated to Güímar with their three children: Aunt Carmela, Aunt Lala and Aunt Juanita in her womb. The others were born in San Pedro Arriba, in La Morra, near the Chacaica Water Mills.

He spent a large part of his life working in the Barranco de Guaza, near the bridge and where the old municipal slaughterhouse was. He carried the animals on his shoulders and took them to the town´s butcher shops. He put three sardines stuck in his shirt because he didn´t like the smell of meat, but he had to work and support his large family. And he did.

He poured out his songs from the soul, which are now written down, so that we do not forget them, neither those who are here, nor those who come.

I am Manuel Montañés
the one with the torn shirt
nothing bothers me
neither right nor wrong

I am Manuel from the town
I am no longer good for anything
I am a worn-out guy
that no longer gives cochineal

I am Manuel Montañés
the one with the torn shirt
I have two balls hanging

I was able to make the painting thanks to the stories and places that Pilar, her granddaughter, taught me. Very grateful.