This work is inspired by the book *The Story of Ferdinand*, written in 1936 by Munro Leaf. This story tells of a bull who overcomes imposed stereotypes to fight for what truly makes him who he is and what makes him happy. The story's protagonist is Ferdinand, a fighting bull bred for bullfighting who, from a young age, has shown an interest in observing nature and smelling flowers; this sensitivity sets him apart from his peers. Part of the story recounts how one day he was stung by a bee and, due to the pain and adrenaline rush, appeared to be the most agile, strong, and brave. This is how he is chosen to participate in a bullfight in Madrid. However, Ferdinand did not turn out as they expected, and thanks to his determination and pacifist demonstration, as well as the support of the people standing in the Las Ventas bullring, he was granted a pardon and they decided to return him to his home in the Andalusian countryside so that he could live a happy life contemplating nature and smelling the fragrance of the flowers.
This story was published shortly before the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War in a war-torn environment and was a controversial book for several years. Various politicians expressed opinions about it, and it was even banned in some countries.
Mahatma Gandhi chose it as his favorite book because it is a pacifist book, since peace invites tolerance, acceptance, and respect for oneself and others.
The artist has been connected to Ferdinand's story for many years, and it is a book that has personally marked him. We can find constant references to the message in his work, as he always seeks the reaffirmation of his being in art, constantly reflecting on his identity and how he relates to his environment. His work seeks to question the fragility of stereotypes.
- Subject Matter: Landscape