Efraim Medina Reyes

Efraim Medina Reyes[7†]

Efraim Medina Reyes, born June 29, 1967, in Cartagena, Colombia, is a prominent Colombian writer and musician, known for his role as the bassist and composer in rock band 7 Torpes. His works, translated into multiple languages, reflect his international acclaim. Medina Reyes also directs films like "Tres horas mirando un chimpancé" and "Eso no me infla la banana". He divides his time between Colombia and Vicenza, Italy[1†][2†].

Early Years and Education

Efraim Medina Reyes was born on June 29, 1967, in Cartagena, Colombia[1†][3†]. He grew up in a humble background, which significantly influenced his life and work[1†][3†]. From a young age, he showed a strong interest in the arts, particularly literature and music[1†][3†].

In addition to his literary pursuits, Medina Reyes also trained as a boxer during his youth and participated in several fights[1†][3†]. This experience, coupled with his upbringing in a culturally rich environment, played a crucial role in shaping his unique narrative style and thematic focus[1†][3†].

Despite the challenges of his early life, Medina Reyes managed to carve out a successful career for himself. His works, which include novels, stories, and poetry, reflect his diverse experiences and interests[1†][3†]. He has also written songs, directed a play, and made some experimental films[1†][3†].

Medina Reyes’ early education details are not widely available. However, his works demonstrate a deep understanding of literature and a keen insight into human nature, suggesting a strong educational foundation[1†][3†].

Career Development and Achievements

Efraim Medina Reyes is a multifaceted artist, known for his work as a novelist, poet, short story writer, and columnist[1†]. He is also recognized as the bassist and composer for the rock band 7 Torpes[1†].

His literary career is marked by a unique narrative style that emphasizes the hectic life of urban youths[1†]. He uses narrative techniques such as collage, and his works have been translated and published in multiple languages, including Italian, Portuguese, French, and Finnish[1†].

In addition to his literary pursuits, Medina Reyes has also ventured into filmmaking, directing films such as “Tres horas mirando un chimpancé” and "Eso no me infla la banana"[1†].

Throughout his career, Medina Reyes has received numerous awards and honors, including the 1985 Premio Nacional de Poesía ICFES, the 1986 Concurso Revista Aracataca, the 1986 Concurso Nacional de Cuento de Barranquilla, the 1986 Concurso Nacional de Cuento de Medellín, the 1987 Concurso Nacional de Novela Ciudad de Pereira, the 1995 Premio Nacional de Literatura Colcultura for “Cinema árbol y otros cuentos,” and the 1997 Concurso nacional de novela del Ministerio de Cultura for "Erase una vez el amor pero tuve que matarlo"[1†].

First Publication of His Main Works

Efraim Medina Reyes has a diverse portfolio of works, ranging from novels and short stories to poems and flash fictions. Here are some of his main works along with their first year of publication:

• "Cinema árbol y otros cuentos"[1†][4†]: This collection of short stories was first published in 1995[1†][4†]. It won the Premio Nacional de Literatura Colcultura in the same year[1†][5†].
• "Érase una vez el amor pero tuve que matarlo"[1†][4†]: This novel was first published in 2002[1†][4†]. It is one of his most recognized works[1†][4†].
• "Técnicas de masturbación entre Batman y Robin"[1†][4†]: This novel was first published in 2003[1†][4†].
• "Sexualidad de la Pantera Rosa"[1†][4†]: This novel was first published in 2004[1†][4†].
• "Pistoleros/Putas y Dementes (Greatest Hits)"[1†][4†]: This collection of poems and flash fictions was first published in 2000[1†][4†].
• "Lo que todavía no sabes del pez hielo"[1†][4†]: This novel was first published in 2012[1†][4†].

Each of these works reflects Medina Reyes’ unique narrative style, characterized by the use of collage techniques[1†]. His works have been translated into multiple languages, including Italian, Portuguese, French, and Finnish[1†], further expanding his readership and influence.

Analysis and Evaluation

Efraim Medina Reyes is hailed as a part of the new Colombian generation of writers[6†]. His writing style is distinctly urban, sexual, and less plot-driven compared to the generation of Gabriel García Márquez[6†]. He uses narrative techniques such as collage, which is evident in his works[6†][1†].

Medina Reyes’ work emphasizes the hectic life of urban youths[6†][1†]. His narratives often depict a blend of dreams and realities, successes and failures[6†][1†]. This unique narrative style has made him a significant figure in contemporary Colombian literature[6†][1†].

His influence extends beyond literature. He is also recognized for his contributions to music as the bassist and composer of the 7 Torpes rock band[6†][1†]. Moreover, he has ventured into the world of cinema, writing and directing films[6†][1†].

Medina Reyes’ work is characterized by a strong influence from American cinema, jazz music, and the works of Andrés Caicedo, an emblematic figure of contemporary Colombian literature[6†][1†]. This blend of influences has resulted in a unique narrative style that sets him apart in the literary world[6†][1†].

Personal Life

Efraim Medina Reyes was born on June 29, 1967, in Cartagena, Colombia[1†][2†]. He grew up in a modest background and trained as a boxer, fighting several bouts[1†][3†]. His life has been marked by a rich interplay of cultural influences, including American underground cinema, jazz music, and the works of notable authors[1†][2†].

In addition to his writing, Medina Reyes has a background in boxing and has fought several fights[1†][3†]. He has also written songs, directed a play, and made some experimental films[1†][3†]. He plays bass in the rock band 7 Torpes[1†][2†], and he has written and composed all of their songs[1†][2†]. With this band, he is about to release in Italy what he calls an “album of Great Failures” titled “La forma del vacío, Greatest flops” (to be released in March 2023 by Fracaso Ltda. Records)[1†][2†].

Medina Reyes currently lives between Colombia and Vicenza, Italy[1†]. His new titles include the novels “Lo que todavía no sabes del pez hielo” (published by Seix Barral and launched in April 2012, at a crowded event, during the Bogotá Book Fair), “Los infieles Vol. 1 Acto de pudor” (published in 2017 by Seix Barral), “Hombres de humo y mujeres que los aman” (published in 2019 by Fracaso Ltda. Editores) and “La mejor cosa que nunca tendrás Vol.1” (published in September 2022 by Seix Barral). On 2023, he announces the publication of his new collection of poems: “Bluesman (Songs & Stories)” and Vol. 2 of "La mejor cosa que nunca tendrás"[1†][2†].

Conclusion and Legacy

Efraim Medina Reyes has made significant contributions to contemporary literature, particularly in his native Colombia[1†]. His unique narrative style, which emphasizes the hectic life of urban youths and employs techniques such as collage, has earned him a prominent place in the literary world[1†].

His works have been translated and published in multiple languages, including Italian, Portuguese, French, and Finnish[1†]. This international recognition speaks to the universal appeal and relevance of his writing[1†].

In addition to his literary achievements, Medina Reyes has also made his mark in the world of music as the bassist and composer of the rock band 7 Torpes[1†]. His diverse talents and interests, which also include boxing and filmmaking, add to the richness of his legacy[1†][3†].

Medina Reyes has received several awards and honors for his work, including the Premio Nacional de Literatura Colcultura for “Cinema árbol y otros cuentos” and the Concurso nacional de novela del Ministerio de Cultura for "Erase una vez el amor pero tuve que matarlo"[1†].

His influence extends beyond his own works. He has inspired and influenced a new generation of writers and artists, both in Colombia and around the world[1†].

Efraim Medina Reyes continues to write and create, contributing to his enduring legacy in the fields of literature and music[1†][3†].

Key Information

• Also Known As: Efraim Medina Reyes[1†][2†]
• Born: June 29, 1967, Cartagena, Colombia[1†][2†]
• Nationality: Colombian[1†]
• Occupation: Novelist, poet, short story writer, columnist[1†]
• Notable Works: Some of his notable works include “Cinema árbol y otros cuentos”, “Érase una vez el amor pero tuve que matarlo”, “Técnicas de masturbación entre Batman y Robin”, “Sexualidad de la pantera rosa”, “Pistoleros/Putas y dementes (Greatest Hits)”, and "Lo que todavía no sabes del pez hielo"[1†][3†].
• Notable Achievements: Medina Reyes has received several awards and honors for his work, including the 1985 Premio Nacional de Poesía ICFES, 1986 Concurso Revista Aracataca, 1986 Concurso Nacional de Cuento de Barranquilla, 1986 Concurso Nacional de Cuento de Medellín, 1987 Concurso Nacional de Novela Ciudad de Pereira, 1995 Premio Nacional de Literatura Colcultura for “Cinema árbol y otros cuentos”, and 1997 Concurso nacional de novela del Ministerio de Cultura for "Erase una vez el amor pero tuve que matarlo"[1†].

References and Citations:

1. Wikipedia (English) - Efraim Medina Reyes [website] - link
2. Wikipedia (Spanish) - Efraím Medina [website] - link
3. The Modern Novel - Efraim Medina Reyes [website] - link
4. Goodreads - Author: Books by Efraim Medina Reyes (Author of Érase una vez el amor pero tuve que matarlo. Música de Sex Pistols y Nirvana) [website] - link
5. Goodreads - Book: Hombres de humo y mujeres que los aman [website] - link
6. The Modern Novel - Medina Reyes: Techniques of Masturbation between Batman and Robin [website] - link
7. El Universal - “Mi vida es un rompecabezas que no logro armar”: Efraín Medina [website] - link