The Witness of the Peace

"The Witness of the Peace" project encapsulates the profound narrative of Juan Manuel Santos' presidential mandate and the symbiotic journey of Juan David Tena as his Official Photographer. Over an illustrious five-year tenure, Tena's lens documented historical events and served as a poignant chronicle, embodying the essence of Colombia's relentless pursuit of enduring tranquility.

At the forefront of this narrative is Tena's evocative documentation of the peace process between the Colombian government and the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (F.A.R.C). Through the discerning lens of Tena, the intricate choreography of negotiations, accords, and the delicate emergence of a post-conflict era are immortalized—a testament to Colombia's unwavering spirit in its quest for lasting peace.

Venturing beyond national borders, Tena's lens navigated the esteemed corridors of international diplomacy. His visual chronicle bears witness to the regal intersection between Colombia and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on British soil, capturing the grace and diplomatic finesse inherent in such high-stakes encounters. Similarly, during Pope Francis' historic visit to Colombia, Tena's photography transcended mere documentation, encapsulating a nation's embrace of faith and the harmonious confluence of sacred and secular in the pursuit of unity.

A zenith in Tena's visual repertoire materialized during the Nobel Peace Prize award ceremony in Oslo, Norway. Through his lens, the solemnity of the moment President Santos ascended the global stage to receive this esteemed honor is eternally etched—an emblem of international acclaim for an unwavering commitment to peace.

The echelons of American power bore witness to Tena's discerning gaze, documenting visits to the White House with both former Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden. In these diplomatic odysseys, his photographic narratives seamlessly bridged the realms of Colombian and American leadership, encapsulating the symbiotic pursuit of shared objectives—a visual testament to the interplay of nations in the pursuit of common goals.

Text: Juan David Tena