In these times that force us to put the moss, I was reminded of a text by the French poet Henri Michaux, entitled Tatouages (tattoos), published in the travel book Ecuador in 1929 (Gallimard). In it, the author points out that the “Indians of the jungle” are wonderful: Like the “Turks”, they have understood that the simple human face is itself “obscene”, “unhealthy” and “wild”, and they have taken the scent of dyeing their eyes when they go to eat at their friends’ house. In these societies, a visit is made to be more spiritual and humble towards others and to externalize the intimate “interior space” of each one, with respect for the other. Michaux was sure that tattooed faces would also spread in Western society, but no, a century later, they are masks to mask faces, and we have hidden each other in our “interior space”, rather than in multitude, with fear and dependence.

In this anguish, I find it even more fabulous to see that young artists have no doubt of extending their “interior spaces” in the sight of all, with all the breadth of the heart. Especially in the Garazi area, in recent years and months, youth has shared their wealth for the enjoyment of all.

I am thinking here of the Iribarne sisters and their friends: The brilliant Leire Iribarne has displayed all her joy and affection through various musical projects, especially with the funky group Diabolo Kiwi, Amaiur Epher and her friends Julen and Allande Etxeberri. Maia Iribarne offers us with Paxkal Irigoien the Bañolet series, produced by Xofaldia Produkzioak and Kanaldudek, a series that has received the Creativity grant from the Durango Fair of 2021 and is already available on the album Bloñati, Bañolet singing, soundtrack of the film. And on the other hand, we also have the magnificent album Habia of the trio formed by Maia, Amaia Hiriarte and Elena Haira.

I would also like to mention two young writers: Amaiur Epher, first published in the editorial Mayo the fraud of Profet in February 2021. This timid book tells us the perils – above, below – of the official Alexander, in a style exacerbated by the black irony and the crack. Epher demonstrates great social, philosophical and political knowledge, making the reader reflect with happiness and despair, on the evolution of life and on ethics, between two smiles. To guide the satirical reflections, he blends the peculiarities of the novel, essay, poetry and theatre, offering an unspeakable and unexpected play.

For his part, the young donazahartarra Xan Idiart has published in the editorial Elkar, in the section Iparluma, the collection of stories The Revenge of Teresa, in the mockery of 2021. Idiarte shows a huge narrative talent, creating special straight environments, bringing incredible characters to life and, above all, guessing more surprising than surprising intrigues. Each story begins in a vulgar or realistic context, in Gipuzkoa or Garazi, and the story acquires a huge curve of tipus tapas, ti-tau, building an infinitely unbearable suspense and always satisfying the reader’s residual cravings in a shocking way. In addition, Idiart masterfully uses a very rich vocabulary and the subtlety of language.

In this society that leads us to hide the hearts of reflection, emotions and sensitivity, in the name of terrible healing, in miles is thankful for the youth that gives us their “interior space”, spiritually and with such humility, as the Indians to whom Michaux referred, as a whole savage.