Argentine artist Gustavo Cocco donated two of his works to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in celebration of the centennial of the preaching of the gospel in South America. The paintings, titled “The First Vision” and “The Dedicatory Prayer for the Preaching of the Gospel in South America,” are part of his series “The Dispensation of the Fulness of Times.”
Both pieces, abstract in their cubist style, are charged with doctrinal and emotional symbolism. In one of them, Cocco uses geometric shapes and vibrant colors to depict the dedicatory prayer given in 1925 by Church leaders in Tres de Febrero Park, Buenos Aires, an event that marked the official beginning of missionary work in the region. According to the artist, the work features figures that allude to Elders Ballard, Pratt and Arguelles, along with elements that evoke the growth of the gospel, such as an oak tree growing from a small acorn.
“Being able to contribute in this very special year for the South America South Area, and consequently for the Church in general, is a privilege for me. This work seeks to spiritually represent that moment of consecration and faith that is reflected today in the living history of millions of members in this part of the world,” Cocco said during the presentation.
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About the Artist
Gustavo David Cocco was born in Argentina in 1968. The son of renowned artist Jorge Cocco, he was educated in Spain and Mexico and served as a missionary in Veracruz, Mexico. He graduated in graphic design. For more than two decades, he has operated his own printing business, during which time he has developed his artistic work professionally, characterized by a contemporary and deeply expressive cubist style.
His works fuse geometry, mechanics, color and spirituality. “I want art not to be limited to the intellectual and cultured sector, but to reach all sectors of society, including those who feel different or imperfect,” says Cocco. His work reflects a strong testimony to the gospel of Jesus Christ, addressing doctrinal themes such as the premortal life, the Savior’s parables and the Restoration of the gospel.
In addition to his artistic career, Cocco has served in multiple callings within the Church, including Bishop and Stake President. He is currently the Sunday School president of the José C. Paz 1 congregation in Buenos Aires.
With this donation, Gustavo Cocco’s works are integrated into the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Church in South America, leaving an artistic legacy that accompanies the Centennial celebrations.
To learn more about the Centennial activities of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in South America, please visit centenariosas.org.