Che - The Icon

Ernesto Guevara de la Serna or 'Che' (1928-1967) is almost a model example of a romantic hero. He came from a fairly wealthy Argentine family. He received a thorough education and set off into the world with a medical degree. poor health - ailing asthma - did not augur a long life for him. He decided to spend it intensely. From childhood, he did more than his body allowed him to do. He discovered his vocation during a great journey through South America. He was 23 years old at the time.

He became involved in the Cuban Revolution purely for ideological reasons. He wanted to liberate the poor from capitalist oppression. He left Cuba for the same reasons. State-building was not in his element. He preferred to be concerned with exporting revolutionary ideas - to Africa, South America, around the world. He died eight years after Fidel Castro's success - in 1967 - shot dead by a policeman in a small Bolivian village. The photograph taken of him at the time was to certify his end. In effect, it became the beginning of his legend. The emaciated body of a thirty-nine-year-old man with a beard inevitably brought to mind the crucified Christ. He became the messiah of all revolution and dissent against the established order. He found himself on the banners of students in 1968 and on the t-shirts of 21st century anti-globalisationists.

He was a tragic and fascinating figure at the same time. Endowed with a far-reaching vision but burdened by a naive faith in the inherent goodness of man. He was nevertheless willing to resort to the ultimate means to pursue his goal. 'I am the complete opposite of Christ. - he wrote to his mother - I will fight with every weapon at my disposal rather than submit to crucifixion...'

In Cuba, his persona is consciously likened to Jesus - the Revolution is the official religion of the regime and Che its prophet. Hasta la Victoria siempre!

27.11 - 10.12.2004 Cuba

Text by Krzysztof Miękus