Mauricio de Sousa wins statue on Avenida Paulista: "Flattered"

The city of São Paulo inaugurated this Friday (26) a monumental bench in honor of Mauricio de Sousa's 90th birthday. Through São Paulo City Hall and the Municipal Department of Culture and Creative Economy, the statue was installed in front of Trianon Park, on Avenida Paulista.

In addition to the comic artist, renowned characters from Brazilian culture also received portrayals in the work of art. Mauricio appears sitting next to Mônica, Cebolinha, Magali, Cascão, Milena, Chico Bento, Horácio and Bidu.

Grandson of the veteran and president of the Mauricio de Sousa Institute, Marcos Saraiva spoke with CNN Brasil about representing the moment for the family.

"For us it is very gratifying to see this tribute from the city of São Paulo to Mauricio", he declared.

"Mauricio wrote many stories, moved many Brazilians with his joy, with his characters, and to have this immortalized here in Paulista, in a place where so many people pass by, a tourist spot in São Paulo, for us it is very cool to see this affection, this appreciation of the work and the artist as well", he continued.

Marcos stated that the comic artist is "very happy and flattered" with the honor from São Paulo. "It's the city that embraced him with so much affection. He came here when he was young," he said.

The businessman continued: "He built his whole life here for me as a family member. I'm just moved because really seeing this affection from Brazilians all over the world for Mauricio and being able to have his work immortalized here for us is very moving."

Mauricio's grandson stated that the family was approached by City Hall to receive the honor. He commented that the fact that the statue was inaugurated on Avenida Paulista was discussed, but later approved.

"We understood that valuing the artist Maurício was very cool and the place was discussed at times, but they also suggested it and we found the point very interesting", he concluded.

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Source: CNN