José Legarra, a Spanish architect working with the European Union in Fiji, emphasizes the inherent beauty of Fiji’s landscapes, people, and cultural heritage. Originally from Pamplona, Spain, Legarra shared his passion for sketching and drawing during an interview with The Sunday Times. He arrived in Fiji in August 2022, overseeing various EU projects related to water, sanitation, infrastructure, and transportation across the region.
Legarra described his role as akin to public service, involving extensive responsibilities and adherence to established procedures, which can limit creativity. To express his artistic side, he takes long walks with a foldable chair and notepad, sketching whatever captures his interest. He believes his sketches reflect an unfiltered perspective of Fiji, capturing its true essence rather than portraying an idealized version.
Despite warnings from colleagues about visiting certain areas in Suva, Legarra feels welcomed by local residents when they see him sketching in their neighborhoods. He often gifts quick portraits to those he meets, bridging connections through his art. With a background in architecture, he appreciates historical buildings and laments the deterioration of some structures in Suva, although he notes that renovations like those of Toorak Central and Regal Theatre respect their original design.
Legarra advocates for environmental awareness, pointing out the negative impact of certain architectural choices, such as black skyscrapers that increase energy consumption and emissions. He believes that addressing climate change starts at home and hopes his artwork will inspire local appreciation for Suva’s architecture and natural beauty.
He enjoys exploring while highlighting the importance of preserving Fiji’s pristine environment, expressing concern about littering on hiking trails. Legarra admires the harmony between Fiji’s two major ethnic groups, noting that their camaraderie is evident, especially in their shared passion for rugby.
With four years remaining on his contract, Legarra looks forward to continuing his artistic journey in Fiji. He is particularly captivated by waterfalls and plans to visit more scenic spots. He hopes his work encourages aspiring local artists to express their views through art, reinforcing the idea that drawing can transcend language barriers and communicate profound messages effectively.
Living simply and appreciating daily wonders, Legarra sees life as an opportunity for optimism and connection, inspired by the magic of freehand drawing he discovered in childhood.