Yoqallitu

This painting is an homage to Lucio Meldendres, aymaran artist and songwriter from Bolivia, my husband and father of our son Nino. Lucio died at age 37 (QDEP). He left a multitude of touching songs and melodies, one of them dedicated to our then baby-son. Written in Aymara, the indigenous language of highland culture in Bolivia, the song is called “Yoqallitu”. It means “Little boy”. His song is all about father love as well as my paint is.

Yoqallitu, wal munata

Anatanani

Yoqallitu, wal munata

Anatanani,

Aka pampax willisiski

Anatananak.

 

Jichacucha

Ay challwita

Ikisinani

Jichacucha

Ay challwita

Ikisinani

Qharur alwat

Sartanani

Anatatakiw

Qharur alwat

Sartanani

Anatatakiw.

 

 

EN: 

little boy,

so much loved

let's play together

little boy,

so much loved

let's play together

here on the floor

all the toys are scattered around

let's play, let’s play.

And now

little boy,

let's  rest together

And now

little boy,

let's rest together

Tomorrow very early

we'll get up again

and play together

Tomorrow very early

we'll get up again

and play together