In 1996 the Osaka Triennal relied upon the participation of seven thousand one hundred forty seven pieces which came from 100 countries. The preselection, by four japanese Art specialists, emphasized 111 pieces as a final sample, in the month of June. In Septemer, the Osaka Triennal Grand Jury, made a final selction. This final selection consisted of various stages. In the first stage, each juror gave out 15 votes. Given to the pieces with the higher amount of points, the initial number of 111 was reduced to 24. In the second stage, each juror gave out 15 points. The initial number of 24 was reduced to 18 pieces. In the third stage each juror was able to give out eight otes and among with them they made the selection of eight oficial prizes and fourteen special prizes.

From this meticulous and highly selective scrutiny, the name Eduardo Navarro emerges (Panama contestant number 99) as a “Bronze Award” of the 1996 Osaka Tirennal, with his piece “Sala de Espera” (Waiting Lounge), acrylic over a printed cloth, 150 x 380; created in 1994.

As a special guest, Eduardo Navarro received his award, in the prize awarding ceremony which included the participation, amongst others, Kenmochi Kazuo, Ivan Sagito, Carlos Rosero, Antonin Stiburek, Leo Kogan and Salvio Darez. Kenmochi, Sagito and Jolly also participated in the press conference lead by the Triennal directors.

Navarro exchanged impressions on Latinamerican Art as well, with Sumiko Imada (Director of the Osaka Contemporary Art Center), with Kumiko Furusawa (Promo-Art Gallery), with Nelson Domínguez (cuban artist) and Michiko Aikawa (Tokio Hara Museum healer).

Our countries triumph in this Oriental contest, with Navarros piece, is the biggest announcement of 1996 in the field of Art in Panama. It is the first time a compatriot receives an International Painting distinction of such magnitude and it is the first time that Panama figures next to Indonesia, Japan, Ecuator, Australia, South Africa, Great Brittain and Unites States of America in a pictorical event which recognizes our Art as equal.

Agustín del Rosario
El Panamá América (Local News Paper)