One of the most characteristic images of contemporary Cuernavaca is at the very entrance to the city, which is very artistic and intellectual, despite its desire to preserve a provincial face.
This distinctive note is the imposing Sculpture of Peace, familiarly known as La Paloma. It is a monumental and dynamic work of simple lines, conceived and produced by the painter and sculptor Víctor Manuel Contreras, originally from Atoyac, Jalisco, and a favorite son of Cuernavaca by his own will and at the desire of the people of Morelos. Víctor Manuel Contreras completed his first art studies at the Academia de San Carlos. In 1957 he "took flight" to further enrich his artistic talents in the United States, Germany and France. Back in Mexico, he held important positions in art institutions in Guerrero and Morelos, but around 1970 he decided to dedicate himself fully to sculpture and painting.
Víctor Manuel has made monumental works in the most diverse cities in the world, which have been twinned in admiration for this Mexican artist who brings together the essential values of Western aesthetics while masterfully rescues and captures pre-Hispanic symbols. An example of this is the piece called Inmolación de Quetzalcóatl for the Plaza Tapatia in Guadalajara, considered the tallest sculptural work in the world.
Source: Aeroméxico Tips No. 23 Morelos / spring 2002
