Pedro Artieda Santacruz (Quito, 1964) is a psychologist, novelist, short story writer, journalist, essayist, literary critic, and professor. In 2003, he published a study titled “La homosexualidad masculina en la narrativa ecuatoriana” [Male Homosexuality in Ecuadorian Narrative], which received the Manuela Saénz Prize in 2004. His first novel, “Nadie sabe con certeza” [Nobody Knows For Sure], was published in 2001, followed by the psychological science fiction novel “La última pared roja” [The Last Red Wall]. In 2011, he released a collection of short stories titled “Lo oculto de la noche” [The Hidden Night], and in 2013, his third novel “Bajo el hábito” [Beneath the Habit] received an honorable mention at the Joaquín Gallegos Lara Prize for Best Novel of the Year. This novel tells the story of a transgender Franciscan living in a monastery in Quito. Pedro Artieda Santacruz has contributed to newspapers such as El Comercio and Hoy, and his articles on literature, cinema, and gender have been published in various magazines including Diners, El Búho, and Vistazo, among others.
Introduction
Pedro Artieda Santacruz, born in Quito in 1964, is a versatile and accomplished writer, psychologist, journalist, and professor. With an impressive body of work that spans various genres and themes, he has made significant contributions to Ecuadorian literature and intellectual discourse. Artieda Santacruz’s exploration of male homosexuality in Ecuadorian narrative, his captivating novels, and his thought-provoking essays have garnered critical acclaim and accolades.
Exploring Male Homosexuality in Ecuadorian Narrative
In 2003, Pedro Artieda Santacruz published a groundbreaking study titled “La homosexualidad masculina en la narrativa ecuatoriana” [Male Homosexuality in the Ecuadorian Narrative]. This seminal work delves deep into the representation and portrayal of male homosexuality in Ecuadorian literature. Recognized for its scholarly rigor and insightful analysis, the study earned Artieda Santacruz the prestigious Manuela Saénz Prize in 2004. Through his exploration of this theme, he shed light on important social and cultural issues, challenging conventional narratives and fostering a greater understanding of diverse sexual identities.
Notable literary works
Pedro Artieda Santacruz’s talent as a novelist is evident in his captivating narratives that blend different genres and perspectives. In 2001, he made his mark with his debut novel, “Nadie sabe con certeza” [Nobody Knows For Sure]. This work showcases his ability to delve into the complexities of human existence and relationships with a nuanced and empathetic approach.
Following the success of his first novel, Artieda Santacruz ventured into the realm of psychological science fiction with his novel “La última pared roja” [The Last Red Wall]. Published in 2011, this intriguing work pushes the boundaries of imagination while delving into the depths of the human psyche. Through his masterful storytelling, Artieda Santacruz offers readers a thought-provoking exploration of the intersections between psychology and science fiction. Also in 2011, he released “Lo oculto de la noche” [The Hidden Night], a collection of short stories that delves into the enigmatic and mysterious aspects of human existence.
In 2013, Pedro Artieda Santacruz unveiled his third novel, “Bajo el hábito” [Beneath the Habit], which earned honorable mention at the Joaquín Gallegos Lara Prize for best novel of the year. Within the pages of “Bajo el hábito,” readers are transported into a world where an aging Franciscan monk embarks on nocturnal escapades, peeling back the layers of Quito’s historic center to expose its hidden darkness. This emotionally resonant tale delves into themes of passion, suffering, and the quest for love as the monk undergoes a transformative journey, assuming the persona of a sensual and sensitive woman—revealing his true soul. Alongside the protagonist’s own well-guarded secrets, he uncovers other hidden truths that deepen his understanding of human frailties. Intertwined with this exploration is a captivating quest for a long-lost colonial relic, adding an element of intrigue and urgency. Artieda Santacruz’s masterful storytelling seamlessly weaves these interconnected plotlines together, ensuring that readers are spellbound and captivated until the very last page.
Psychologist and Cultural Studies
Pedro Artieda Santacruz’s educational background includes a degree in psychology from the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador. This foundational education has equipped him with a deep understanding of the human mind and behavior, enriching his writing with insightful character portrayals and psychological depth. In addition to his psychology degree, Artieda Santacruz holds a master’s degree in cultural studies with a mention in Latin American literature from the Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar (Simon Bolivar Andean University). This interdisciplinary expertise allows him to approach literature from a sociocultural perspective, exploring the intricate relationship between literary works and the broader social and cultural contexts in which they emerge. By combining his psychological insights with his knowledge of cultural studies, Artieda Santacruz brings a unique and nuanced perspective to his writing, delving into the complexities of the human psyche and offering profound reflections on the human experience.
Journalism and Literary Criticism
Pedro Artieda Santacruz has not only made a mark in the realm of creative writing but also in journalism and literary criticism. He has worked for reputable Ecuadorian newspapers such as El Comercio and Hoy, where he has contributed insightful articles on literature, cinema, and gender. His thought-provoking analysis and commentary have enriched the intellectual discourse surrounding these topics. Furthermore, his articles have been published in prominent magazines, including Diners, El Búho, and Vistazo, among others.
Partial list of accolades
- Manuela Saénz Prize in 2004 for his study “La homosexualidad masculina en la narrativa ecuatoriana” [Male Homosexuality in the Ecuadorian Narrative].
- Honorable mention at the Joaquín Gallegos Lara Prize for best novel of the year for “Bajo el hábito” [Beneath the Habit] in 2013.
Works
- Nadie sabe con certeza (2001, novel)
- La homosexualidad masculina en la narrativa ecuatoriana (2003, essay)
- La última pared roja (2011, novel)
- Lo oculto de la noche (2011, short stories)
- Bajo el hábito (2013, novel)
- Invertidos y marimachos: Ficciones queer en la poética latinoamericana (essay/literary-criticism) – expected to be published in 2022.