It gives me great sadness to share the news of the passing of my friend The Painter Omar D'Leon. Omar was a friend mentor, an advisor in my artistic process and a father figure. Always pushing me to grow and to explore art and language. Omar was one of Nicaragua's real greats, not only as a painter, but also as a poet and thinker. His departure leaves a great void in the hearts of those of us who had the honor of calling him a friend, and also in Nicaraguan culture and the world of the arts. Hasta siempre maestro!