Antonio José Caro Lopera

Place: Bogotá

Born: 1950

Death: 2021

Biography:

Early Life and Career

, a renowned Colombian conceptual artist, was born on December 10, 1950. His artistic journey began at the age of 16, inspired by Tributo de los Artistas Colombians a Dante (A Tribute by Colombian Artists to Dante) and Espacios Ambientales (Environmental Spaces). He briefly attended the Universidad Nacional de Colombia in Bogota, where he met his influential mentor, Bernado Salcedo.

Artistic Style and Notable Works

Caro's unconventional approach to art led him to experiment with non-traditional materials like metal, cardstock, salt, and poster boards. His passion for creating art with a social or political message is evident in his works. Some notable pieces include:

• SAL (1971), a text-based piece made from salt, presented at the Primera Bienal Americana de Artes Gráficas in Cali.
• Imperialism is a Paper Tiger (1972), a critique of imperialism.
• Colombia-Marlboro (1975) and Colombia-Coca Cola (1977), satirical works targeting consumerism.
• Defend Your Talent (1977), a commentary on artistic freedom.
• Todo está muy Caro (Everything is too expensive; 1978), a reflection on economic disparities.

Awards and Legacy

In 1998, Caro received the prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship. His influence on Colombian conceptual art is undeniable, with his works continuing to inspire new generations of artists.

Museum Collections and Exhibitions

Caro's work can be found in various museum collections, including the Museo Nacional in Bogotá, where his piece Cabeza de Lleras (1970) was first exhibited. This work, a salt bust with glasses in a glass container, symbolized a denunciatory act on societal values. El Movimiento de Arte Light and Space, although not directly associated with Caro's style, shares similarities with his conceptual approach. The movement's emphasis on perception and interaction with the environment is reflected in Caro's use of unconventional materials.

Caro's legacy continues to inspire, challenging traditional art forms and promoting social change through his innovative works.