El Belga. Oil painting, 100 x 40 cm.

"I still can't believe everything I experienced before venturing into this bizarre forest. Sometimes, I wonder where I found the strength to break free from the belly of the sea monster that swallowed me. At this point in the tale, I can assert with certainty that I had enough courage to stare death in the eyes, I leaped onto it and crossed its dark, dense body, perhaps to be reborn. Yes, I can affirm that I was reborn. (...) For some reason (perhaps even hypnotic), I decided to enter it; maybe I forgot the dangers I could face. I knew some initiatory stories that unfolded in these mysterious, symbolic landscapes. Many of these stories didn't always end well. Although in all these ambushed journeys, the risk also brought catharsis, a great promise ultimately. I knew in the forests, appearances deceive, or not. What you think might save your life can take it; what seems to want to kill you can give it to you, and therefore, make you grow."

Translation from the original statement of Jose Luis Serzo