José Legarra, a Spanish architect for the European Union (EU) in Fiji, expresses his admiration for the country’s beauty, encompassing its land, people, and culture. Originating from Pamplona, Spain, the city founded by Roman general Pompey, Legarra discussed his passion for sketching in an interview with The Sunday Times.
Arriving in Fiji in August 2022, Legarra has been involved in various architectural projects supervised by the EU, focusing on water management, sanitation, and infrastructure development across the region. He described his role as akin to a public servant—challenging yet rewarding, though often limited in creative expression due to established protocols.
In his leisure time, Legarra embraces creativity through sketching, capturing the essence of his surroundings during walks. He carries a portable chair and notepad, drawing whatever fascinates him, presenting a foreigner’s genuine perspective of Fiji. His sketches aim to depict reality without embellishment, conveying deeper emotions and meanings.
Despite warnings from colleagues about certain neighborhoods in Suva, Legarra has found that people welcome his presence as an outsider. His sketches often incorporate quick portraits of individuals, which leads to connections with the community. Assuming the role of an observer, he shares an appreciation for heritage structures in Suva, lamenting the decline of some older buildings while acknowledging the preservation of others.
He expresses concern over climate issues linked to modern architecture, particularly criticizing black skyscrapers for their heat absorption and the increased energy demands they create. Legarra believes addressing climate change should commence locally, encouraging awareness through his art.
His love for Fiji’s lush greenery fuels his sketches, as he hopes to inspire locals to appreciate their environment more deeply. A frequent visitor to Mount Korobaba, he has noted the increasing litter left along hiking trails, urging citizens to maintain the natural beauty of their country.
Legarra admires the balance between Fiji’s two major ethnic groups and highlights the positive interactions among them, particularly reflecting on their shared passion for rugby. He appreciates the frequent rainfall that contributes to the country’s vibrant scenery.
With another four years in Fiji, Legarra looks forward to continuing his artistic journey and exploring more of the islands’ landscapes. His enthusiasm for nature is evident in his quest to visit waterfalls and other natural treasures, particularly Taveuni. He aspires for his sketches to encourage local talent to engage with art and express their views on pressing issues.
Legarra believes in the power of drawing as a universal language, capable of transcending barriers where words may fail. He emphasizes the unique charm of freehand drawing over digital applications, sharing his life philosophy of simplicity amidst complexity for a harmonious existence.