David Bestué's 'Samuel' Explores Monument and Memory After Hate Crime

David Bestué, a sculptor from Barcelona, has published 'Samuel', a book examining the relevance of monuments and how memory is preserved in public space. The work was inspired by the murder of Samuel Luiz, a 24-year-old man beaten to death by four young people in A Coruña on July 3, 2021, in a homophobic attack. Following the tragedy, an improvised altar of offerings appeared at the site. Bestué, moved by the crime, traveled to A Coruña and later created the book, which questions the function of monuments in commemorating individuals and events. The publication reflects on the spontaneous memorial and the broader implications for public remembrance.