Julio Pazos Barrera is a poet, writer, teacher, and cook. He was born in Baños, Ecuador on August 19, 1944. In 1979, Pazos’ poetry book La ciudad de las visiones was awarded the Aurelio Espinosa Pólit Prize. In 1982, his book Levantamiento del país con textos libres was awarded Latin America’s most prestigious literary award, the Casa de las Américas Prize (Havana, Cuba). Pazos is the editor-in-chief of the magazine Letras del Ecuador published by the Ecuadorian House of Culture. He is a member of the Ecuadorian Academy of Language. In 2010, Pazos was awarded Ecuador’s top literary prize Premio Eugenio Espejo by President Rafael Correa.
Introduction
Julio Pazos Barrera (born August 19, 1944, in Baños, Ecuador) is a multi-faceted figure with an illustrious career as a poet, writer, teacher, and cook. An influential person in Ecuador’s literary landscape, he has been awarded numerous prestigious awards for his literary contributions. His work in the fields of poetry, essay, and cooking embodies the cultural richness of Ecuador.
Early Life and Education
The son of Julio Pazos Jurado and Rosa Barrera, Pazos Barrera pursued his interest in literature and language from an early age. He graduated in Education Sciences with a specialization in Spanish and Literature and later earned his doctorate in Literature from the Universidad Católica del Ecuador. Additionally, he studied postgraduate literature at the Instituto Caro Cuervo in Bogotá and the Instituto de Cultura Hispánica in Madrid.
Literary Career
Poetry and Writing
Beginning with his first book of poetry, “Plegaria Azul,” in 1963, Pazos Barrera has published an extensive list of works, including poems, essays, and studies. His writing is characterized by a deep exploration of themes such as identity, memory, and culture.
Editorship
He served as the editor-in-chief of “Letras del Ecuador,” published by the Ecuadorian House of Culture, and the editor-in-chief of the magazine “América.” His editorial work has been instrumental in promoting Ecuadorian literature.
Academic Achievements
Pazos Barrera has been a professor at the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador since 1970, teaching Literature and Art Appreciation. He has also held leadership roles in various cultural institutions, including the Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana Benjamín Carrión.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his literary career, Pazos Barrera has been honored with multiple awards, such as the “Premio Eugenio Espejo” in 2010 and the “Casa de las Américas” Prize. He has also received recognition from cities like Quito and Ambato, reflecting his national prominence.
Contribution to Culinary Arts
An enthusiast of cooking, Pazos Barrera has published works like “La Cocina del Ecuador: recetas y lecturas” (2014) and “Elogio de las cocinas tradicionales de Ecuador” (2017). His literary approach to traditional Ecuadorian cuisine has helped preserve and celebrate the nation’s culinary heritage.
Personal Life
Julio Pazos Barrera has been married to Laura Carrillo for over 50 years. They have 3 sons: Alexis, Yavirac and Santiago.
Contribution to Academia
Pazos Barrera became a Member of the Ecuadorian Academy of Language on February 7, 2013. He has delivered significant articles, lectures, and commentaries on various literary subjects, ranging from Ecuadorian poetry to the works of renowned authors like Juan Rulfo. His academic work extends his influence in shaping the literary thought in Ecuador and Latin America.
Conclusion
Julio Pazos Barrera’s prolific career as a poet, writer, teacher, cook, and editor is emblematic of a life devoted to the enrichment of Ecuadorian culture. His wide-ranging interests and achievements have made him a central figure in Ecuador’s literary scene. The multifaceted nature of his work continues to resonate with readers, students, and scholars, making him a lasting and influential presence in the world of literature and beyond.
Awards
- First Prize and Medal. Poetry Contest, Catholic University of Ecuador (1968)
- First Prize. Conrado Blanco Foundation of Madrid, Homage to Quito (1973)
- “Aurelio Espinosa Pólit” National Literature Prize (1979)
- “Casa de las Américas” Prize, Havana, Cuba (1982)
- “Juan León Mera” Distinction Award from the city of Ambato (1988)
- “Jorge Carrera Andrade” Prize from the city of Quito (1988)
- “Juan Montalvo” Distinction Award from the city of Ambato (1994)
- Gold Medal “Aurelio Espinosa Pólit” for letters and culture, city of Quito (2006)
- Premio Eugenio Espejo (2010)
Works
- Plegaria azul (1963)
- Ocupaciones del buscador (Quito, 1971)
- Prendas tan queridas las palabras entregadas al vuelo (1974)
- Entre las sombras y las iluminaciones (1977)
- Entre las sombras las iluminaciones (1977)
- La ciudad y las visiones (1980)
- Levantamiento del país con textos libres (1982)
- Ensayo: “Medardo Angel Silva” Estudio introductorio (1983)
- Oficios (1984)
- Contienda entre la vida y la muerte o Personajes volando en un lienzo (1985)
- “La voragine”. Estudio introductorio (1985)
- Mujeres (1988)
- “La victoria de Junín y otros poemas”. Estudio introductorio (1988)
- Cocina criolla, cocinemos lo nuestro (1990)
- Literatura popular: versos y dichos de Tungurahua (1991)
- Constancias (1993)
- “Oposición a la magia de Francisco Proaño Arandi”. Estudio introductorio (1994)
- Juan León Mera: una visión actual (1996)
- Holograma (1997)
- Acercamiento a la obra de Oscar Efrén Reyes (1997)
- Arte de la memoria (1998).
- Días de pesares y delirios (2001)
- El sabor de la memoria (2008)